What's Meant To Be (Mheetu's Story)

[MrTitans]

Awesome I hate reading but this has got my interest keep it up no rush i love it very good its like watching a movie

[Zoketi]

Thank you! :3

[Zoketi]

Chapter 14:
Tangled by Love

Mheetu stretched out lazily on the grass, his eyelids half-closed and his fur feeling nice and warm. Next to him, Nzuri lay, snoring quietly, and on his other side was Hatari. The breeze waved the grass gently, making Mheetu's fur ruffle faintly. He shifted slightly, too lazy to do more than move his paws.

Kishindo and Kupata were a few paces away, on their backs gazing up at the slow-moving clouds. Jeshi too, was here, curled up to the right of Nzuri and looking quite sleepy.

Months had passed since the incident with the orange and black lion. Mheetu was fully healed, and could no longer be called a cub. His mane was beginning to sprout, light tan fur trailing over his head. He was rather proud of it. Although Kishindo was older and had thicker growing mane, Mheetu was just excited to be finally joining the other males in the stage of mane growth. Jeshi's mane was almost full.

Still, Mheetu was no adult. His head didn't even reach his mother's shoulder yet, even Kishindo's barely rose over it. He was happy where he was though. Unlike many cubs, he enjoyed his childhood and didn't want it to end.

"Thank the Kings it's not super hot today." Hatari mewed softly, shifting around to face Mheetu.

"Oh yeah! It's so nice today." Mheetu agreed, flipping around as well, arguing with his lazy muscles to move. He yawned widely, growling out his breath, and shook his head. He had a tendency to do that. It was satisfactory to feel the tuft of mane flop around.

"Hey Nzuri, wanna come to the river with me?" Jeshi's voice distracted Mheetu. He glanced over to his other side, where Nzuri was lying on her stomach. She was gazing up at Jeshi, who it seemed had gotten up and came over.

"Er, not right now. Mheetu said he would play Pounce with me." The brown lioness replied, looking a bit guilty. Jeshi's expression changed from hopeful to embarrassed and sad, and he glanced at Mheetu with a hint of anger.

"Oh. Alright." Jeshi responded in a monotone, then padded away. He continued walking through the grass, until Mheetu couldn't see him from where he lay on the ground.

"Oops." Nzuri commented, looking a bit upset. She gazed over to Mheetu. "I hope I didn't really hurt him."

Mheetu gave her a gentle nudge. "He'll be fine." He assured his friend. "Well, wanna do said Pounce now?" He asked her, smiling. She hesitated momentarily, gazing after Jeshi, then returned the happy look, shaking her head and jumping to her paws in a swift movement. Her excitable spirit had returned.

"Yeah! Come on, over here." Nzuri trotted through the savannah, tail waving.

"Ok. See ya, Hatari." Mheetu flicked his tail against the dark brown cub as he passed. She blinked at him, sitting up as if she wanted to follow, but made no other moves.

"Ok...I'll be the Pouncer first." Nzuri called as Mheetu reached her. He rolled his eyes.

"Of course. But whatever." Mheetu meowed, padding past her, deeper into the tall grass. He kept moving, keeping a distance away. That was the game. Don't let your opponent Pounce you-- touch you at all. You win if you were able to reach Scatter-Stones without being Pounced, the biggest pile of rocks in Meadowlands territory. The Pouncer could win by Pouncing only.

Mheetu glanced over his shoulder, but didn't see Nzuri. She had obviously gone straight into a hiding technique. He felt a twinge of adrenaline, and sprang forwards. He would pull a flat-out run to the destination.

He began to sprint, legs flying out as he breezed through the long grass. Scatter-Stones was a mere speckle of grey in the distance. He kept his ears pricked up, in case he could hear Nzuri. He doubted that, over the thunder of his paws.

"Gotcha!" Nzuri roared, darting out in front of Mheetu. He skidded to a halt, paws pummeling the ground in his attempt to stop, eyes wide with surprise. Nzuri reached him, sending him sliding as she pinned him to the ground.

Mheetu panted, gazing up at her. "Woah! That was good!" He exclaimed, grinning. She smirked, tail swishing, and bent her head down to lick his cheek.

"Thanks." She mewed, and hopped lightly off as if nothing whatsoever had happened. But Mheetu felt like it did. She had never done that before. He rubbed his reddening cheeks subconsciously, staring after her.

"Hey! Mheetu! Nzuri!" A voice was calling, and Mheetu shook away his puzzled thoughts and glanced back. Jeshi was galloping towards them, his expression defensive.

"What?" Mheetu asked, hastily wiping away the fading wetness of Nzuri's lick. He flicked his tail, shaking the dust from his pale coat.

"What were you doing with her?" Jeshi demanded, as Nzuri padded questioningly over. Her ears pinned back as she heard the young lion's tone.

"Nothing. We were just playing!" Mheetu answered quickly, frustrated with Jeshi's protectiveness over Nzuri. He wasn't quite sure why the tan-grey teenager was so annoyed with him. Why was he suddenly so caring about Nzuri, and on guard when others were around?

"You didn't invite me!" Jeshi growled, tail tip twitching.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry!" Mheetu's voice dripped sarcasm. His eyes narrowed, angry for a reason he didn't even know.

"Why can't you let Nzuri spend time with who she wants to?"

"She wanted to come with me!"

"How do you know?" Jeshi hissed, sinking dark claws into the soil.

"Why are you so defensive?" Mheetu countered, beginning to pace. His tail swung back and forth, his fur bristling on his back.

"I'm not def--" Jeshi started, but was cut off as Nzuri spoke up.

"Jeshi, I'm sorry." Nzuri butted in, padding between the two bickering males. She gave him a soft nuzzle on his shoulder, looking sincerely apologetic. "But don't be mean to Mheetu. We were just having fun." She soothed, giving him a stern yet kind look. Mheetu stared at her. When had she grown soft?

Jeshi's angry look faded, and he looked down at Nzuri in front of him. "Oh...sorry." He appeared slightly bewildered too at Nzuri's sudden change. He gave Mheetu a scornful look over Nzuri's head, making the younger lion wince and step back, confused.

"Race you to the river!" Nzuri bounded around Jeshi, flicking him with her tail. The young lion blinked, and spun around to follow her. Nzuri cast a friendly glance to Mheetu, making him relax slightly. He watched the two speed away, utterly lost by whatever had just happened. With a sigh, he began to pad towards Log-Place.

~*~*~

"Hey Brother, what's got you down?" Kishindo padded over to Mheetu, expression playfully concerned. The sun was staring to set now, and Mheetu was feeling tired.

"Mehh..." Mheetu mumbled, staring at the ground as he walked. He kicked lightly at a rock.

"Are you ok?" Kishindo tried again, but sounded actually worried this time.

"Yeah." Mheetu sighed. He halted, gazing up at Log-Place.

"Hmm...alright." Kishindo frowned, but gave up. "Hey, food!" He exclaimed, trotting past the bushes into the clearing of Log-Place. Mheetu sniffed, inhaling the tantalizing scent of freshly-killed impala.

"Mheetu!" Hatari came scampering over, her face shining with delight as she reached him. Mheetu felt his spirits lift slightly, and a faint smile formed on his muzzle as his friend collided with him.

"Hey there." He purred, looking up at her joyful expression. She rolled off of him, smiling with evident glee. "What's got you so happy?" He teased lightly, shaking off the dust as he rose to his paws.

She blushed faintly, and darted over to the crowd of Madini, Filimbi, Uchawi, Kijani, Mjanja, Kitawi, and Ngoma in the center. They were gathered around the carcass of the caught impala. All seven lions were munching on the kill, grumbling and pushing as they tore off meat. Kishindo padded up as Mheetu and Hatari reached it, followed momentarily by Kupata.

"Where are Jeshi and Nzuri?" Kijani mewed to Mheetu, who was beside her.

"I think they are at the river." He replied, feeling a twinge of annoyance for some reason.

"Ah...well, they'll miss the fresh meat." She commented, tearing away at the impala's leg. She didn't seem to be too stressed over it though--a faint sparkle of amusement glinted in her eyes. Mheetu tilted his head as he chewed, puzzled.

He finished quickly, moving away as the adults finished their feeding. Exhaustion was making him tremble, and he wanted nothing more than to curl up in his nest.

"Sleepy?" Hatari sidled over to him, her pelt brushing his.

"Yeah." Mheetu yawned. The two reached where Uchawi usually slept. "'Night, Hatari." Mheetu nuzzled her ear. She returned the gesture, smiling faintly before slipping away into the evening light.

Mheetu gazed after her, wondering why he did so. He flopped down in the grass and fern nest, eyes barely staying open. He heard pawsteps, but it was only Kishindo and Kupata coming over. They muttered words that Mheetu didn't bother to listen to, and Kupata darted off. Kishindo came towards Mheetu, settling down near him.

Mheetu yawned again, closing his eyes fully and letting out a sigh before falling into slumber.

[TLK+Warriors Fan]

This is basically what Mheetu's life should've been, and what chapter do you plan to make the, end...? Like, what chapter number do you think it will end on?

[Zoketi]

Well, I've got up to an outline that has 35 planned out chapters... c: I'm not sure if I will end it there or not.

[TLK+Warriors Fan]

This is, by far, one of the best Fan Fictions EVER!! And even if this had been a different story, your writing skills are something everyone should enjoy! Have you made any other fan fictions? If so, what are the titles?

[Zoketi]

Thank you very much! And I actually haven't, but I have a good bunch of ideas for a Warriors one, and maybe one about horses. I also plan to do a fanfic about Kopa, and eventually about Kovu and Kiara's cubs (actually, that was where the whole thing started--I tried to begin one about the cubs of Kovu and Kiara and realized I needed backstories for Mheetu and Kopa, so that's where this began).

[Zoketi]

Chapter 15:
Plunged into Darkness

A slim, dusky tan lioness padded quietly along in the thin darkness of the early morning. The air was still and the sun only just peeking over the horizon. The grass ruffled back under her paws, her stealthy steps making little sound. She was hunting, tracking a young wildebeest through the savannah.

It was a good distance ahead, but the lioness was patient. She moved carefully along, wavering along the border of the Pridelands. Her ears flicked up, eyes narrowed as she watched the distant shape of the young herbivore.

Rustling of the grass made her freeze, scenting the air warily. Ngoma wasn't supposed to be here. Guilt suffused her mind, but she shook it away. Her paws tingled on the ground, not her home territory. She pinned back her ears, taking a hesitant step forward. She had to make her kill quickly. She wasn't about to give up yet, not with the prospect of such a good meal.

"Eeeheeeheee!!!" An eerie cackle rang through the silence. Ngoma stood stock-still, eyes wide and ears flat against her skull. Hyena.

She crept forward, feeling adrenaline pulse through her veins. The rustling around her grew louder, and she heard muffled snorts and more high-pitched laughter. She forgot the wildebeest calf, and broke into a full-out run.

"Trespasser!" The shriek sounded out, and the group of hyenas charged after the fleeing lioness. "Trespasser! Trespasser!" The call echoed around the pack, loud and soft and full of malice. The leader reached Ngoma, passing her and cutting off her escape path. She skidded to a halt, and the rest of the cackling creatures were upon her.

Her wails were cut off almost instantly.

~*~*~

"Have you seen my sister?" Kitawi bent down to gaze at Mheetu, her eyes full of slight concern and hope. "The scent in her nest is stale. She's been gone all night!" The young lioness looked disheveled.

"N-no, I haven't." He replied, sitting up and blinking away the sleepiness. It was just barely dawn. Kitawi flicked her tail and stalked away, looking mildly worried. Mheetu stared after her, yawning widely and not really comprehending the matter.

Well, he was awake now. He might as well just get up. Mheetu rose to his paws and stretched, flexing out each claw as he did, and padded past Uchawi into the clearing. He rolled his shoulders and tossed his head, the tuft of mane bouncing around. He licked a paw, cleaning the dust from his pads.

"I'm going to look for her." Mheetu raised his head, spotting Kitawi standing nearby. She was talking with Filimbi, who sat stiffly on the ground near the Log. Madini peered out from inside of it, with two pairs of glimmering eyes that would be Jeshi and Hatari.

"Do you need assistance?" The King asked, gazing at her calmly. He didn't appear fazed. Kitawi hesitated, and before she could reply, Filimbi spoke again, "Take Mheetu." He nodded to the pale young teenager.

Mheetu blinked, his tail flicking up and his ears perking. Kitawi met his gaze and shrugged slightly, then dipped her head to Filimbi and spun around. Mheetu shook his pelt and dashed after her, excited by the small mission.

"Help me track her." Kitawi murmured, pressing her nose to the ground. Mheetu followed suit, sniffing deeply. He could detect a faint scent of Ngoma, telling him she had been here hours before.

"She's been here..." He muttered, mostly to himself, as he assumed Kitawi had already picked up the trail. He glanced up to see the lioness moving away, head low as she followed the scent. Mheetu hurried after her. He was reminded of the time he and Hatari went tracking a young, injured gazelle, and they finally caught up to it only to find it already dead, vultures tearing at the carcass. He shook off the memories, and trotted to catch up with Kitawi.

"She must have been hunting. Her scent zig-zags way too much for just a stroll." Kitawi commented. "She must have felt like an early morning hunt." Mheetu didn't reply, but the lioness seemed content just talking with the air.

He began to feel worried when the scent led unwavering toward the Pridelands border. He hoped she hadn't crossed into their territory. "Do you suppose she crossed borders?" Mheetu ventured, padding up to where Kitawi walked along.

"Of course not! She wouldn't do that." The lioness replied with a hint of anger, but Mheetu detected a faint anxiety as well. "I'm sorry, Mheetu. I'm just a bit worried for her now." Kitawi apologized, softening at once. Mheetu gazed comfortingly at her.

"She did cross." Kitawi mewed in a small voice as the pair gazed over the border line. Ngoma's scent led right across it. "But at least she was hunting." They had detected the scent of a young wildebeest that Kitawi's sister must have been going after. "But why risk the Pridelands? Their new King is not the friendliest of lions." She glanced awkwardly at Mheetu.

No kidding, Mheetu thought, remembering the sharp claws of the orange lion piercing his flesh. He flicked his tail and then looked up to Kitawi. "Are we following her?"

"I don't know...I hope she changed direction and crossed back at a different point. Let's just follow the border." Kitawi replied, giving a swish of her tail and then padding forward again.

Mheetu nodded, taking a step after her. He seriously hoped Ngoma hadn't run in to any Pridelanders. Especially hyenas, who were rumored to have joined forces with the Pridelanders under the new King. Their new boundaries were closely watched and fiercly defended. Kitawi was right to be worries. If Ngoma had gotten caught, she could be killed.

The two lions walked for a while in silence, their gazes scanning the grass of the Pridelands. The sun was beginning to shine pale rays of light on the land, making it more likely for them to be caught so close to the border.

"What's that?" Mheetu asked softly, his throat slightly dry from the lack of speech. His eyes narrowed as the focused on a distant lump, a small imperfection in the sea of grass. It looked furry...but was a deep red color.

Kitawi frowned, tilting her head as she padded as close as she could get to the border line. "I can't..." Her eyes flew wide and her ears pinned back. "NGOMA?!?" She shrieked, pelting forward across the border, her fur fluffing up on her neck. Mheetu blinked as she rushed past, panicking slightly as she raced into unfriendly territory. But he couldn't hold back. If that was Ngoma, and she was dead, then they had to get her home. He sprang forward, shoving away his fear, and followed the lioness.

He skidded to a halt as he saw the limp form. It was Ngoma. She was covered in still-fresh blood, some of her wounds still seeping even though she was dead. Dead. He trembled, gazing at the lifeless eyes of the lioness.

Kitawi's yowling brought him out of his reverie. She was lying on the body, sobbing and howling and wailing her grief. Mheetu didn't know what to do. He stood still, staring in shock at the blood-stained lioness. "Kitawi..." He mewed quietly, unsure.

She raised her head, tear track glistening on her fur. "She's dead..." She moaned, shaking. "Dead..." She put her head back down and cried more. Mheetu felt tears sparking in his eyes and he blinked them away.

"We have to get home..." He continued, glancing up and searching the area for any Pridelanders. None in sight. But that didn't secure their safety. He shifted from paw to paw, nudging Kitawi. "Please...we're in danger."

"No!" She sobbed, turning away from him and hugging her sister's body close.

"Kitawi! We have to go!" He could now spot the distant shape of a group of lions in the distance. They would see them in moment, obviously already hearing Kitawi's howls. "Please!" He nudged the wailing lioness. She looked up, and around, and spotted the distant Pridelanders too. A hint of fear entered her gaze.

"Help me." She mewed in a emotionless tone as she grasped Ngoma's paw, motioning to the Meadowlands. Mheetu nodded and hurriedly grabbed another paw, and together they dragged the body back to their homeland.

Mheetu glanced back to see the lions still approaching. Though he and Kitawi were back in the Meadowlands, they might still be in trouble for trespassing. "Hurry, Kitawi!" Mheetu urged, pulling Ngoma along.

They made quick progress, soon leaving the sight of the border. Log-Place loomed ahead. Mheetu felt a cold claw of despair in his stomach, knowing what horrible surprise awaited his pride. He again felt a wave of utter sadness, the look of emptiness in Ngoma's eyes still scaring him.

"Mheetu? Kitawi?" Uchawi had just padded from the bushes surrounding Log-Place, ears pricking as she saw the two. Her eyes dropped to the red-hued body of Ngoma in between them, and her eyes widened with shock. "Ngoma?"

Her roar made Kijani and Filimbi emerge, eyes concerned and puzzled. They too, let out calls of surprise and horror as they saw the three approaching.

Mheetu halted in front of them, letting Ngoma's paw fall from his mouth. "She's dead." He mewed quietly, not able to stop the tears from soaking his cheeks. He dropped his head and staggered to Uchawi, who pressed her son against him, murmuring words of comfort.

He blocked out the next few minutes, in which Uchawi led him shakily back to the clearing, and he collapsed on his nest. He could faintly hear wailing and roaring through his shutting-out of the world, and pressed his paws over his ears. The sound of the grieving pride was terrible to bear.

~*~*~

Mheetu sat in the clearing, Hatari slumped against him. The rest of the pride was present too, all gathered in the clearing. Filimbi, Madini, Kitawi, and Jeshi were all heading off to the Pridelands, to speak with the King, Scar. Mheetu had only recently found out his name.

Kijani pressed her forehead against Madini's. "Go safely." She murmured, while Nzuri blinked nervously up from her position at Kijani's side. Madini nodded, and she turned to follow behind her mate, son, and Kitawi. Her daughter Hatari watched with wide, sad eyes, sticking close to Mheetu.

The four lions disappeared from view. Kijani padded towards the Log, passing Ngoma's body in the center of the clearing. It was stretched out, and had been cleared as best as they could of the blood. The scent of death hung around it, making Mheetu keep away. At least they had closed her eyes. She could only be sleeping.

"I hope it goes ok." Hatari whispered, and Mheetu gave her a comforting look. Her three family members had all gone to the meeting, and with the seriousness of the situation, Mheetu knew she was perfectly right to be fearful.

"I hope so too." Mheetu mewed in reply. He almost said, "It will," but realized that was something he couldn't promise her.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 16:
Planned and Unplanned

Eyes of green-tinted blue peered nervously from behind a rock in the grey landscape. Two pale creamy ears pricked up above the stone, and worry filled the young teenager-cub's gaze. She ducked back down as the shapes she had been observing neared her hiding spot. Holding in her breath instinctively as they passed, she readied to spring away.

The small lioness darted out fro behind the rock, dashing away to the base of Pride Rock. "Tama! Kula!" She hissed, skidding to a halt on the hard, stony ground. A pair of young lionesses popped out from behind a few boulders, interest sparking in each's gaze.

"What's up, Nala?" The tufted one meowed crossly, her peachy fur dusty. "We were trying to catch a lizard!"

"Nevermind lizards!" Nala shook her head, disregarding Tama's complaint. She was so excited, so sure this time that she could find out the truth. "A pride is sending a party to speak with King Scar. It's where those cubs came from!" She gibbered out, feeling slightly dizzy from her hope. She felt a twinge of disappointment as Tama and Kula exchanged concerned looks. "...what?"

"It's just..." Kula hesitated, looking abashed. Tama looked slightly stronger, a hint of annoyance in her gaze.

"Well, we think you're obsessing over finding that brother of yours." She accused, sitting down with a small thump. "You don't even know he exists." She scowled, flicking a pebble away with a single claw.

Nala felt shock creep through her. Guilt too, as she realized they were right in some sense. Maybe she had been too...insistent on trying to locate Mheetu. Maybe it had been all a dream. Something she had pulled up out of her mind in her grief of loosing Simba. It had just seemed so good, so perfect to helping her sadness. A brother! Her very own. She could have him as a best friend, he would...not replace...but be as just as good of a friend as poor Simba had been. She backed away a few steps, dropping her head.

"Maybe I have..." She sighed, glancing up to where the lions had disappeared on Pride Rock. A shiver went through her as she gazed at the solemn grey figure in the midst of the dying savannah, a familiar spark of anger glowing through her as she pictured Scar. She dug a claw into the ground, missing Simba desperately.

"Oh Nala, we're sorry..." Kula cried, springing to the pale teenager's side with guilt and sadness in her gaze. She gave her friend an comforting nuzzle, giving Tama a glare when the tufted lioness didn't approach. Tama gazed reproachfully at them for a moment, then softened and padded closer.

"Yeah...it's ok." Nala murmured, feeling comforted by the presence of her two female friends. She swallowed and blinked up at the sky. "Well, should we at least go and see who's here?" She suggested, trying to brighten up her voice.

"Of course!" Kula mewed, delighted at the sudden change, bouncing away from the other two and beginning to trot towards the path up Pride Rock. Nala flicked her tail and followed, with Tama right behind her.

The three young lionesses entered the wide cave, where almost the whole rest of the pride was gathered. Scar was sitting upright on the raised stone slab, a few grumpy hyenas skulking behind him, facing a tightly-knit group of four unfamiliar lions that stood in the center. Nala, Kula, and Tama quietly skirted them, heading for Tojo, Malka, and Chumvi.

Malka looked up as they neared, his sprouting mane swishing as he moved. He gave them a dark look, flicking his tail tip at the newcomer lions. Chumvi made room for his sister as Kula settled next to him, and Tama flopped down on Chumvi's other side. Nala wondered momentarily if Scar would send the pride out to keep the meeting private, so she stayed standing, on the far side of Tojo.

"So who are they?" She whispered to Simba's cousin. Tojo blinked at her, situating himself before replying.

"Er...call themselves Meadowlanders." He replied softly, giving her a knowing look. "Yeah, they are the ones who lived over in the grassland where we found those cubs." He added, guessing the reason for her interest.

Nala nodded slowly, turning her gaze to the four newcomers. The largest one must be their King, he was a light tan with a thick brown mane, and a stern expression. There was a grey-brown female, and a young lion of grey-tinted brown. The last one was a rusty light tan, who looked rather angry and upset. Nala flicked up her ears and began to pay attention to what the adults were saying.

"--and you as well, Scar." The tan lion was meowing. "Now, we have arranged this meeting for something that has happened to one of our Pridesisters." He gazed calmly at the hyenas. "I believe they can tell you what occurred."

Scar tilted his head half-way, then flicked his gaze to one of the hyenas, who cowered up at him. "Please, do explain, Kiwete." He stated, still staring at the male hyena.

"Heh, well...you see, Scar..." The fearful-looking hyena began, stammering and loosing his sneering attitude. His darting eyes gave away his anxiety, and Nala curled her lip.

"Idiot mutts." Malka muttered, obviously feeling the same way.

"We was jus' patrollin', like you wanted, when we came an' spotted ourselves a lone lioness." Kiwete whimpered, blinking. "She wazn't from the pride, she was a trespasser. An'...we killed 'er." He finished, somewhat lamely. "You said you wanted trespassers kil--" Scar gave a growl and Kiwete sunk back, whining.

The grey-brown lioness gave a gasp, while the tan one swished his tail and the youngest shifted nervously from paw-to-paw. Their reactions were incomparable to the final female's, who let out an outraged snarl and stalked up to the front of her group.

Nala sat down next to Tojo, seeing that Scar wasn't sending the pride away. Witnesses, she wondered, in case the newcomers did something unwanted?

"No, Kitawi." The tan lion growled, pushing in front of her. He glanced up at Scar. "What was Ngoma--the lioness--doing?" He switched his gaze to Kiwete, as if confused on which one to ask.

Scar flicked his tail at the hyena. "Ehhh....hunting, I think." Kiwete yipped hastily. One of the other hyenas moved to his side, a dark female.

"Yah, yah, she was chasin' a wildebeest calf." She muttered, looking calm and unfazed by anything that was happening. Her eyes were half-closed in an unimpressed expression.

Scar gave her a nod. "Thank you, Neva." He rumbled, still appearing as though nothing said was affecting him at all, rather like the female hyena.

The tan lion still looked irritated. "I see...but I still wonder as to why it was a direct murder. She had no chance of defense, by the sound of it, no chance to explain or have a trial." He spoke, now facing Scar again.

"Well King Filimbi, she broke the law of my pride." Scar growled. "And she payed the price."

"A law we had no knowledge of! You yourself crossed our boundary once, I remember." Filimbi retaliated, his back fur beginning to bristle.

"And you had no boundary law, though, did you? I was not breaking any rule!" Scar hissed back, starting to look agitated. The hyenas behind him shifted nearer, their claws clicking on the stone as they moved.

"An unfair law!" Shouted the rusty brown lioness Kitawi, who had darted to the front again. "They murdered my sister!" Her eyes swam with tears, and she looked beside herself with anger and despair. Nala felt pity blossoming in her heart. She had no loyalty for Scar, who called himself King here, but not to her. These four strangers had barely set foot in the Pridelands, and Nala sided with them already. She unsheathed her claws, feeling the scrape against the cold rock of the cave floor.

"And it was her fault!" Scar spat back, making the young lioness wail and charge at the orange King. He seemed taken aback, as if not expecting her to attempt such a foolish move, and stumbled back as Kitawi slammed into him. The cave erupted into chaos.

Through the barking of the hyenas and roaring of the lions, Nala was able to dash through the furious crowd to her mother. Sarafina was with Sarabi and Haraka, trying to herd away the rest of the Pridelanders from the fighting. Nala left them to it, and spun back around. She had to stop this cruelty. She would help these Meadowlanders get out of here, even if she ended up "betraying" Scar in the process. She knocked away a hyena, pretending she had stumbled accidentally into him, and freed the tan King, Filimbi. "Get out!" She hissed in a whisper, nudging him away.

He glanced in surprise at her, but she turned and sprang towards Scar and Kitawi, rolling on the floor with hyenas springing about. The other lioness was clawing furiously at the King, her grey-brown fur fluffed and eyes narrowed. Nala rolled into them, making it appear accidental again. She didn't want to strike up to much suspicion. The three lions and two hyenas scattered away as Nala bowled into them, and she heard the grey-brown lioness howl. Jumping to her paws, Nala backed away. The lioness was limping, holding her hind leg up and trembling with pain. Horrified, Nala stumbled away, despairing that she had caused the female' injury. She burst through as the crowd thinned, the chaos starting to fade.

The four Meadowlanders had disappeared, hopefully they had made it away. Nala heaved a sigh, trekking back towards her mother and the rest of her friends. Scar was standing, gazing out of the cave with his hyenas circling him, growling and whimpering, many were bleeding.

"Get back, all of you." Scar swung around, his bright eyes narrowed with fury. "Just, leave." He snorted and plodded to the stone slab, with a few of the hyenas following. Sarabi led the rest of the pride outside.

Nala padded by Kula. "That went well." She mewed sarcastically, expression grim.

"I hope they are ok..." Kula gazed in the direction of the Meadowlands. "I hate Scar so much." She raged, showing a rare burst of anger.

"I know, Kula. I know."

~*~*~

Mheetu pricked his ears as pawsteps sounded, racing ever closer. He crept out from under the bush he had been dozing under, moving quietly past the slumbering form of Hatari. He gazed around Log-Place, just as Nzuri burst through the grass into the clearing. "They're back!" She mewed breathlessly, skidding to a halt. Heads shot up around the clearing.

"Where are they?" Mjanja strode over to his daughter, eyes lit with interest.

"Very close." She panted in reply, sitting down. "They looked like they had been running a bit...and Madini was lagging behind." She added, concern flickering over her bright blue gaze.

Mjanja frowned slightly, but barely had time to register it all when Kijani yowled, "They're here!" She was standing by the entrance, looking hopefully as more pawsteps announced the arrival. Filimbi, Kitawi, Jeshi and Madini entered Log-Place, looking worn and tense.

And bleeding. The pride jumped up, gathering worriedly around the returned lions. "What happened?" "You're hurt!" "Are you alright?" Calls rang out, filled with fear and confusion.

Filimbi let out a calming roar, and sprang up onto the Log. "Our meeting went badly. King Scar didn't cooperate as planned, and we got into a mess. Madini is injured." He meowed, then leaped down. Although it was a very brief announcement, Mheetu couldn't blame him if his mate was hurt. He flattened his ears and glanced to Kitawi. She seemed still quite upset, and Mheetu guessed that the outcome of the meeting didn't help at all. She padded away from the crowd, over to where Ngoma's body lay, and collapsed upon it.

Mheetu bowed his head and retreated to the bush, where Hatari sat, awake from the commotion. He looked into the young lioness's eyes, his own sadness reflected in her pretty orbs.

[Zoketi]

Chapter 17:
If Only

Mheetu crouched down, his ears flattened nervously against his head. His eyes on the figure of Filimbi, pacing on the top of the Log, were wide with apprehension. Asubuhi stood next to him, his gaze full of worry. The rest of the pride was scattered around the clearing, minus Uchawi, Kijani, and Kitawi—the lionesses were hunting.

Except the lead huntress, Madini. She was lying next to the Log, distress in her eyes as she gazed up at her agitated mate. Filimbi was extremely angry about the incident with the Pridelanders, mainly because of the fact of Madini’s injury. It was permanent, nothing the pride did helped her leg, and she was left to limp around. Personally, Mheetu thought she was taking it far better than her mate was.

Filimbi halted his pacing, letting out a snort. Mheetu flicked his tail, wary of further angering the King. He hated seeing anyone so furious, it scared him a small bit.

Asubuhi stepped away, padding towards the grassy savannah and vanishing around the other side of the bushes. Mheetu watched him leave, then let his fur lie flat and crept after his father. He had the right idea, not being near the upset lion.

Mheetu heard numerous sets of pawsteps, and glanced back to see Hatari, Kupata, and Kishindo following. He gave them an exasperated look, and then continued into the long grass. He sped up once he passed the brush, pricking his ears as he loped across the Meadowlands. He glimpsed his father ahead, padding calmly towards his usual spot, a low-branched acacia tree.

“Sheesh, he was upset.” Kupata commented, flicking her rusty tail. She gave a soft grumble as she glanced back to Log-Place.

“Hey! Watch who you’re talking about.” Hatari mewed, glaring at her. “That’s my father!”

“Well, he should learn to control his anger better.” Kupata snorted, her ears twitching.

“Humph, look who’s talking.” Hatari retaliated, rolling her eyes. Mheetu could see her point, Kupata had a furious and fiery short temper.

“Oh, quit bickering.” Kishindo interrupted, pushing between the two annoyed lionesses. Kupata sighed softly, but didn’t make any more comments. Hatari just sped up to pad next to Mheetu.

The small group walked along for a little bit, in mostly silence. None of them had much to say. Mheetu was worried about the pride, especially with Filimbi so against the Pridelanders. He did have a good reason, but was it the Pridelanders themselves or only their King? Mheetu remembered overhearing Madini and Kitawi discussing the state of their neighboring pride, mentioning the fact they thought they had seen fear in the eyes of the Pridelander lionesses as they gazed at King Scar, and some anger too.

Mheetu let out a long sigh. Things were certainly not going well, for either pride. And he couldn’t help but feel it would be better had Scar not become King. He had heard stories of the previous King, a lion named Mufasa. That King, it seemed, had been wise and kind and fair. He remembered his father telling him about Mufasa, for Asubuhi had been to the Pridelands many times.

“Hey, lookie over here!” Kishindo’s call distracted Mheetu from his thoughts. Blinking, the pale cub darted forward to catch up to Kupata and Kishindo, who had passed him while he drifted in his mind. Hatari hurried at his side, and they halted near the other two.

“Sniff!” Kupata instructed, poking the grass. “A strange lion’s scent!”

Mheetu inhaled deeply and nearly coughed at the smell. It was definitely a lion, male too, and rather unpleasant. Or maybe that was because Mheetu was just used to the familiar scent of the Meadowlanders. Kupata had smelled this bad when they found her, though she had been covered in muck. For once, Mheetu was thankful Nzuri wasn’t here, as she probably would have brought that up.

“Ick.” Hatari commented, wrinkling her nose.

“Good word choice.” Kishindo commented, doing the same. Kupata just stuck her tongue out.

“It keeps going.” Hatari mewed, padding further away. “Along here.” She pressed her nose to the ground and sniffed heavily. Mheetu trotted up to her.

“It seems like he wandered partly through our lands.” He meowed, frowning slightly. “Should we tell the adults?” Mheetu pulled his nose up from scenting a blade of grass. The smell was getting bothersome.

“Probably.” Hatari answered, blinking up at her friend.

“Let’s follow it!” Kishindo argued. “It would be exciting! We can tell the adults later.” He waggled his haunches and sprang over to them. Mheetu stopped himself from rolling his eyes. Of course his brother would be the one to not tell the adults and instead look for an adventure. He was still nearsighted in that department. Despite being younger, Mheetu was more mature.

“Yeah, we won’t get hurt. We’ll just go back if the stranger seems to find us.” Kupata agreed, padding up to the three of them. Obviously, she would agree with Kishindo. He was the only lion who she really “cared” about. Or rarely got angry at. Mheetu hid a small smirk.

“Alright….” Hatari mewed, her tail tip twitching. She gave Mheetu a worried glance, but didn’t try to argue against Kishindo and Kupata. They were older, than both her and Mheetu.

Kishindo and Kupata both padded forward, sniffing as they followed the trail. Mheetu sighed, trotting to catch up with Hatari just behind him. “The scent wasn’t very fresh.” He mewed to his friend.

“No…I guess he’s long gone.” Hatari murmured in reply. “Hopefully out of our territory.”

By the time the young lions reached the edge of the Meadowlands, the sky had darkened with thick grey clouds. The wind had picked up, tossing and swirling their fur. Rain seemed inevitable. The scent trail had led straight to the border, as if the stranger knew he was in unwelcome land. But then why had he crossed in the first place?

“Let’s get home now.” Hatari mewed, pressing against Mheetu’s side as they stood by the border line of the territory. She had fluffed out her fur slightly, ears flattening in the gusty wind. Mheetu looked to the other two. The scent trail would be gone soon, especially if it rained, and anyway, it led over the border. They couldn’t go further.

“Yeah, I’m tired.” Kishindo yawned, flicking his tail. Moments later, Mheetu felt the first drops of rain. He looked up at the stormy sky, and curled his lip slightly.

The four young lions turned around to head for home. Mheetu’s mind churned, and he wondered if Filimbi had calmed down at all. The rain was starting to increased, making Mheetu fluff out his pale fur as the droplets soaked his pelt.

“There you are!” An accusatory meow came from ahead as they reached Log-Place. Mheetu glanced up, letting out a surprised mew when he found himself almost nose-to-nose with Nzuri. She skidded to a halt in front of the four.

“Woah, hey Nzuri.” Mheetu lifted a paw and pushed her head away, his ears flicking.

“Is he calmer now?” Hatari piped up, eyes full of concern for her father. Nzuri nodded quickly, then spun around and dashed back into Log-Place. Mheetu tilted his head, but shook away his confusion and sprang after her. The rest of the group followed.

Glancing around the clearing, Mheetu could see things had calmed down. Filimbi was lying next to Madini, curled up and half-asleep. The rest of the pride was lazing about, the huntresses had returned and a half-eaten zebra carcass lay to one side of camp. Ngoma’s body was still resting in the center, awaiting the burial ceremony.

Mheetu trotted towards Uchawi, who was stretched out under the usual bush. He plopped down next to her, with Kishindo right behind, and closed his eyes with exhaustion.