Chapter 1: The first bad vision.
There was the sound of running. Nothing else. Everything was pitch black. Heavy breathing soon followed. The breathing followed by a lot of heavy steps. Everything soon came into focus: A stampede. A lioness was running from a stampede of elephants. Her face soon became much more clear, and I could see the terror on her face. Just as she was about to get crushed by the elephants, I woke up. It was a dream.
I didn't know what to do, actually. I felt like I should inform someone about the stampede of elephants.
That it was supposed to happen. I didn't know if I was going crazy, or if I was still in my dream. As my senses fully returned, I realized it was not a dream, but something that needed to be shared. I had this gut feeling that it was going to happen, and soon.
I bolted out of the den. I was about a year old at the time. Everyone said that I looked exactly like my grandmother. But really, I only had her body. I had my father's colorings. A lot of brown. I ran as fast as I could to the edge of Pride Rock. I could see a small cloud of dust. No one had noticed it yet. I ran down towards the bottom of Pride rock where my mother and father were.
My father was Kovu, king of the Pride Lands. Kiara, Queen of the Pride Lands, was my mother. Huru, my younger twin, was with them when I found them. They were talking to Vitani, Simba and Nala. Nala, my aunt, and my mother were getting ready to leave for the day's hunt. I skid to a stop in front of my father, completely out of breath.
"Something wrong, Hatari?" He asked. I was breathing hard.
"Stampede is coming. The lionesses can't go hunting. They'll get crushed!" Breathing in between almost every word I said. I finally got my breathing under control. Everyone looked at each other, then back at me.
"What kind of stampede?" Asked my grandfather, Simba.
"Elephant stampede. Heading this way."
"How do you..." My mother started. Before she could finish, the ground started to shake. We all ran out to the edge of Pride Rock. I was right! A big stampede of elephants raced by. Everyone looked at me, amazed. "How did you know?" Asked my mother.
"I... had a vision." I replied. "I've been having them for a while now."
"How come you never told us?" Asked my father.
"I thought it would go away, but it hasn't. I'm sorry father." Everyone looked at each other as I stared at the stampede, thinking for the lives I had just saved. And from then on, things got a lot worse. (It's short, but the 1st chapter is always like a preview for me. It should be getting longer and have more detail. Gotta love first person writing!
)Chapter 2: The lost cub
Days went by faster and faster. The days turned into weeks, and my visions had not stopped. Every night I had one, a bad one. I never had a good vision. The best it got was if an animal didn't die from something. Most of the time they were things I couldn't prevent, they were things that were far away from the Pride Lands, the animal being out of my reach. But, if there was an event that I could prevent, then I did. Like the week before, I told Rafiki that a bunch of gorilla's were going to try and take all of his herbs and use them for bad purposes. Rafiki, knowing what was to come, made sure the gorillas stole nothing. I had asked him why I was having these visions. How was I able to see the future? He, unfortunately, didn't know, leaving me to figure it out myself.
I saw a field of tall grass. Right in the middle was a very tall tree. I saw myself walking through the grass, over to the tree, and back into the grass on the other side. I saw something white in the grass. It looked at me with large, blue eyes.
I woke with a start. The morning sun had reached me in the den. I looked around, almost everyone was awake. I stood up, stretched, and walked outside. I didn't stop to say good morning to my family as I went down Pride Rock. Huru was not with my mother and father. "He's probably out chasing the butterflies." I thought to myself, shaking my head with a smile.
My brother was a very... odd cub. While I was a very dark color, like my father, he was a light color, like my mother. He had a light brown tuft of hair on the top of his head. He loved to chase small things like butterflies and practice his pouncing, though he was not very good at it. I kept on telling him that he was making to much noise, but he doesn't get the concept just yet. I left Pride Rock behind me as I started to search the Pride Lands.
My father had shown me every inch of the Pride Lands, and I knew it by heart, but I had never seen the tall grass or the tree before. I searched for a long time. I first checked the western border, and moved across to the east. Then to the north. I didn't go anywhere near the elephant graveyard, though. It was past lunch when I finally made it to the southern border. I was starting to wonder if this place was even in the Pride Lands. I was about to go back to Pride Rock when I saw tall grass. I ran to the edge of it, relieved that I had finally found the spot of my vision. I could see the large tree, right in the middle of the field. I started to walk forward, directly towards the tree. When I made it to the tree, the grass was not nearly as long, and I could actually see where I was going. It was a skinny tree, but very tall. It had few branches, but a lot of leaves on each. I went around the tree and back into the grass, now walking much slower. Suddenly, I ran into something headfirst, something white. The force made both of us fall backwards. I shook my head and stood up. Then I saw what I had run into.
It was a white cub. He was my age. I didn't know lions came in white.
"Sorry." I said. "This grass is to tall, I didn't see you."
"No problem." He replied. "I was hiding here so that I didn't get eaten by anything. I'm Tahi."
"My name is Hatari, and I'm princess of the Pride Lands." Yes, maybe I was gloating just a little, but I was very proud of my position as princess. My mother may not have been, but I sure was.
"Really?" I nodded. "Cool. So is this the Pride Lands?"
"Ya. My mom and dad are King and Queen." I said.
"Oh, I didn't know that this was your parents territory. I can go." He said quickly.
"Oh no, it's fine. Where are you from?" I asked.
"A very long way from here. My father was king of another Pride about 2 weeks journey from here. So I guess I was Prince, though nobody ever called me that." He said.
"Wow!" I exclaimed. "You've had a long journey! Is there anyone with you?" I asked.
His smile faded. He looked down. "No, I'm all alone now." He said sadly.
"Oh. Well that's not good." I said. There was a long pause. "Why don't you come home with me?" He looked at me, surprised.
"You'll let me?" Tahi asked.
"Of course!" I said. "We'll have so much fun! You would love the Pride. And I have a twin brother that would love to meet you, and...!" I was talking very quickly.
"Okay, okay!" He said. "I'd love to come."
"Great!" I exclaimed. "Follow me." I started walking through the grass, Tahi right behind me. We had made it out of the tall grass when he heard someone shouting.
"HATARI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" We stopped.
"That's my brother." I said, trying to figure out where his voice came from. "Over here Huru!" I yelled. Huru soon came into view. He ran over to us, out of breath.
"There you are!" He exclaimed. "I've been looking for you all morning. Dad said it's time for your training."
"Oh, right, training." I said. "Okay, thanks." Huru looked behind me and at Tahi.
"Who are you?" He asked, confused.
"Huru, this is Tahi. Tahi, this is my brother Huru." I introduced.
"Hi." Said Tahi.
"Hi!" Said my brother.
"We're going to ask dad if he live with us. He doesn't have a home." I explained.
"Great! I'll come too!" exclaimed Huru. "Follow me!" And with that he quickly walked off. We walked after him.
I rolled my eye's. "He is to hyper." I heard Tahi laugh behind me, and I smiled. I'll admit, he was cute, and I felt bad for him not having a home. I didn't ask why he was alone. It wasn't my place.
Huru lead us to Kovu. He walked over to us.
"Hey dad." I said. He nuzzled me.
"Ready for your training?"
"Ya, but first, I have a favor to ask you." I gave Tahi he okay to come up to my father and I. He walked up next to me. "This is Tahi. He's alone and needs a home. Can he stay with us?"
My father looked at Tahi. Tahi did a quick smile. He looked back at me. "Is this why you were gone all morning?"
"Ya. Don't ask." I said.
He looked at Tahi again. "Okay, he can stay." Said my father. All three of us were happy. "Huru, go tell your mother to introduce Tahi. Hatari and I have some stuff to do."
"Okay dad." Said Huru. "Follow me, Tahi." He said. Tahi looked at me, then followed Huru up Pride Rock. My father and I went the other way, out into the plains.
"Did your visions tell you that he was here?"
"Ya. It also told me that he belonged here. I'm glad you said okay to him staying." I said with a smile. He smiled back. I didn't tell him that I found him at the southern border.
"Well, if you brought him here, I thought that it was because of the visions. You haven't failed us with them” He said in almost a joking way.
"Ya. I hope I never do fail, either." I said. We both fell silent. "Why have you never shown me the southern border?" I asked. My father stopped. I looked back. He stared at me for a second, then sighed.
"It's a place full of bad memories." He said it like he was upset about it. I didn't understand.
"Like what?" I asked, wanting to know more.
"I'll tell you when you're older. You are not quite old enough to understand, yet." He said. "But enough about the past. You still haven't had your pouncing lesson." He smiled. I smiled back. I was ready to learn everything my father had in store for me. (Ik, I love the idea of a white lion! Idk, it just makes it more interesting in my opinion.)
Chapter 3: The unpreventable
Since Tahi had joined the Pride, things had been getting a lot better. At least I now had someone to hang out with besides my brother all the time. Time was flying by. My training was progressing much faster than anyone thought it would. Hey, I was naturally smart! And everybody said so.
My visions had still not stopped. My father and mother were starting to get worried. I was spending more time alone than I ever had, thinking on my visions. They impacted me more than you would believe. But for some reason, even though Tahi had no idea about my visions, he was the only one who could make me feel better aside from my father. I was very grateful for his presence. Then, everything changed about a week and a half after Tahi was taken in by the Pride.
I didn't know what was happening. Blood... a scream... I could tell it was from one of the lionesses. I figured it could only be from the hunting party. I saw teeth... green scales... That's it, there was nothing more. I woke with a start, letting out a slight scream. I looked around. The vision, even though it didn't seem like much, made me sleep in way to late. I bolted out of the den and down Pride Rock. I finally found my father. I could tell he had already gone on patrol, because he was sleeping under the shade of a tree before his next patrol. I ran over to him.
“Father, father wake up! We have a problem!” I exclaimed. He woke up slower than I would have liked. He looked at me in a confused way.
“What? What the problem?” He asked.
“Where's the hunting party?” I asked, feeling very rushed.
“On the hunt, why?”
“We have to find them, now!” I was getting very worried.
“What for?” Asked my father. I could tell he was very confused.
“Someone's not coming back if we don't get them now.” I said. “Someone is going to die.”
My father and I ran through the Pride Lands, trying to find the hunting party. I was abnormally fast for my age, and was almost able to keep up with my father's fast jog.
“Your visions have never been wrong, but this seems... unreal!” He exclaimed over heavy breathing.
“I've never had a wrong vision! This is so exception!” I said back.
We skid to a stop when we saw the hunting party. They had their heads hung low, all sad. My mother, aunt, and grandmother were among them. We ran over to them.
“Are you guys alright?” I asked, worried of what had happened.
“Most of us.” Said Nala, my grandmother.
My dad looked at the group. “Where's Abigail?” He asked.
“Someone or something pushed Abby into the river. The crocs did the rest.” Said my mother. I couldn't believe it. I was to late. The Pride Started to walk back for Pride Rock. I didn't move. I couldn't believe that I couldn't save Abby. My father looked back to see that I wasn't coming. He walked over to me.
“You okay?” He asked, worried.
“I... I can't believe that I was to late...” I said, fighting back tears. “I couldn't save her...” I was thankful that I could hold off my tears.
“It's not your fault. Some things are unpreventable.” Said my father, comforting me. I looked into his eye's. He was the one I looked up to, the one that always gave me wisdom and advice. He could always make me feel better. He picked me up by the scruff of my neck and carried me home. My mother was waiting not to far away, and we went back together. When we made it back to Pride Rock, my father put me down. I had my head low, still very sad. Huru and Tahi ran up to me.
“Hey Hati!” Said my brother. I said nothing, starting to walk past them.
“Something wrong?” Asked Tahi. I stopped and looked at them with sad eye's.
“Abby's dead.” I said. I walked away, leaving them standing there, shocked.
I walked all the way up to the top of Pride Rock. You could see the entire kingdom from here. But I wasn't there for the scenery. I was deep in thought. Tahi came up behind me. He had a worried and confused look on his face. He walked up and sat next to me. I didn't move. I kept looking strait ahead.
“You okay?” Tahi asked. I sighed a deep sigh.
“No. No, I'm not okay.” I replied. I still hadn't moved. “I've always been able to prevent death. I've always been able to save their lives. But now...” I sighed again. “I was to late...”
Tahi was very confused. “How? How could you prevent death?” He asked.
I looked at him. “You wouldn't believe me even if I told you.” I said.
“Try me.” He replied.
I took a deep breath. “I can see the future. I've always been able to save the lives of animals. But today... I was to late.” I looked down.
He was apperently surprised. “That's... wow. I don't even know what to say to that.” He said.
“Told you.” I said. I knew right off the bat that he would not believe me.
“No no, I believe you.” He said quickly. “It's just that I've never met a mystic that's outside of my family.” He said. I looked at him, confused.
“Mystic?” I asked. I probably looked pretty stupid. He probably expected me to know what a mystic was.
“It's what animals like you are called. It's when an animal can see the future, or see spirits of the dead throughout every day life.” He explained. “It's rare, so I'm not surprised that you've never heard the name.”
“Who in your family was a mystic?” I asked, wanting to know more.
“My father and a few of my grandfathers.” He replied. He looked out over the Pride Lands. “I sure wish I could have been a mystic. It seems really cool.”
“No, it's not cool!” I exclaimed. He looked at me in a questioning way. “Every night, I see someone being hurt or dieing. If it's in the Pride Lands, I can prevent it. Maybe others don't have this kind of thing, but it still hurts when you know there's nothing you can do about it. Like today, I was to late. It's not something you should wish that you could have!” I said. He looked at me in a weird way. I looked away, realizing that I had just yelled at my best friend.
“That's why you were so upset?” He asked. He now sounded very caring and comforting. I nodded and closed my eye's tight.
“I just want to protect everyone.” I said. “I've never lost anyone. Not once have I been to late to save a life. Today was the first time.” Again, I was trying to fight back tears. I prayed that he didn't see the one that I couldn't stop slip down my cheek and hit the rock below.
“My father always told me something when I thought that I could prevent everything bad. He said that you can't prevent the unpreventable. It's the great kings that decide the truth, and this time, they decided that you were going to be to late.” He said. I looked at him. “Just don't get all depressed over one lioness. The great kings wanted her up in the stars with them. You can't change destiny.”
“Maybe.” I said. “But I can try.” He smiled. I smiled back. It was great to have a friend like Tahi.
Everyone was sad about the death of Abby, but they moved on quickly. Day's past before I had my next terrible vision.
I saw... something. I couldn't make out what it was. It was a group of something. I saw a lioness and a cub. I could tell that the cub was me. This vision was short. I woke up just as the sun was rising. I couldn't understand what it meant. Why would I have a vision about a little group, a lioness and myself? It made no sense. I got up, shook myself, and walked out of the den. I noticed that a few of the lionesses were already up. My father was out patrolling, I knew. I didn't want to bother him with my vision. He had enough on his mind and to many things to do. Instead, I went to my mother, who was lounging in the morning sun.
“Mother?” I asked. She opened her eye's and looked at me.
“Morning sweetheart.” She said, nuzzling me.
“Would you mind coming with me?” I asked. She looked puzzled.
“What for?” She asked.
“I had another vision, and I wanted to go check it out, but I'm to afraid to go off on my own.” I replied.
“Oh, okay. Sure.” She said with a smile, standing up. “Lead the way.” She said. I lead her to the spot where I had my vision. I could tell that it was at the southern border. We walked almost to the border. It was not the long grass where I had found Tahi. In fact, there was little grass here.
“This is the place.” I said. Both me and my mother looked around.
“I don't see anything. Are you sure this is the right place?” She asked, still looking around.
“I've never had a wrong vision.” I replied.
She looked at me. “Good point.” She said. I suddenly heard something. I couldn't make out what it was. I could tell that my mother could hear it as well. It sounded like... like laughing. Evil laughing.
“Stay close to me, Hatari.” Whispered my mother. I ran under her body, getting scared. I could see her muscles tense up, ready to defend both of us. The laughing got louder and louder. It seemed like it was coming from all directions. I looked around in a frantic way. “Who's there?” Demanded my mother. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we were surrounded by a large group of lionesses. I ducked down, trying to make myself as small as possible.
What had I done?
Chapter 4: The wake up call.
I was terrified. Here we are, so far from Pride Rock, surround by at least 20 lionesses. My mother tensed up even more, ready to fight. I was all the way to the ground now, looking around in distress. Then, Zira walked to the front, right in front of Kiara.
“Zira!” She said, surprised. “No way, you died. I saw you drown in the river!” She exclaimed.
“Well maybe I know how to swim.” Zira contradicted. “It was a problem, yes, but nothing I couldn't survive.” She bent down, looking at me. “So nice to finally meet my granddaughter.” She said to me. I backed up a step. Kiara bent down, covering me with her head.
“Stay away from my daughter.” Warned my mother.
“Yes, well, we're not here for introductions. We're here for blood.” Said Zira through an evil smile. Then, we were attack.
Everything went by so fast. My mother, having learned from my father, started fighting them. I tried to get away, but everywhere was blocked. When I found my mother again, they were defeating her. I went up and scratched one of the lionesses in the leg. The lioness looked at me, angry. She tried to hit me, but my mother got in the way, getting hit herself. My mother was finally defeated, unconscious on the ground. I tried to get to her, but was blocked off. They, apparently, thought she was dead. But I knew she was alive.
“Killing you should be no problem.” Said Zira. She raised a paw. I closed my eye's. I felt tremendous pain on the right side of my body, making me scream from the pain. I fell to the ground, losing blood fast. Suddenly, I heard a very loud, angry roar. “The Pride, lets get out of here!” Just before they ran, Zira hit me one more time, making a large cut on my face. I had a long, deep cut on the right side of my body, and a cut going from the left side of my face, across my eye and nose and over my mouth. I tried to stand, but couldn't. The last thing I remember was seeing my father and the Pride running toward us. I fell unconscious from to much blood loss.
I saw the battle. And I saw my mother getting cut and scarred all over the place. I saw her fall, dead.
I woke with a start, breathing heavily. I looked around. It was a dream. I was in a cave. It was light outside. I saw my mother laying nearby, still breathing, but unconscious. I tried to stand. I slowly got myself to a standing position. My whole body ached. I took one step towards my mother. As soon as I took the first step, I roared in pain as I fell forward. I was no longer able to stand, no matter how much I tried. My father, who seemed to have heard my pain, came running in. He saw that I was awake, and ran over to me.
“Are you alright, Hatari?” He asked. I could hear a lot of worry in his voice.
“Kinda...” I whimpered, in extreme pain. He laid down ext to me. I burrowed my head into his mane, and he gave my a lick. “Will mother be alright?” I asked. I wasn't the least bit worried about me. I was the one that dragged her into that battle, it was my fault she was hurt.
“Rafiki said that you'll both be fine. But both of you will have pretty nasty Scars.” He said. I shot my head up, remembering exactly what had happened. When my dad said “scars.” I remembered him telling me the story of how he got his scar, reminding me of Zira.
“Zira!” I exclaimed. He looked at me, shocked that I had said his mothers name. “It was Zira! She's the one that attacked us, her and a Pride of at least 20 members!” I explained. He just stared at me, shocked.
“You're sure that it was Zira?” He pressed.
“Yes. She even called me her granddaughter. I know it's her.” I said, remembering the battle. “She's the one that gave me the wounds on my side and face.” I explained. He looked almost angry.
“Thanks for telling me. You get more rest now, I'll be back in a few minutes.” He said. And with that, he ran out of the cave. I looked at my mother, who was motionless. I started to make my way over to her as best I could, slowly I might add. I finally made it over to her, in more pain then before. She was on her side. I huddled up close to her chest, and almost instantly, I was asleep.
I woke to the sound of talking in the cave. I lifted my head, drowsy. I then saw my father talking to my grandfather. They didn't know I was awake, so I quickly put my head down, pretending to be asleep.
“I don't understand it. How could she have survived that fall?” I heard my father ask.
“I don't know, Kovu. She must have been a strong swimmer.” Said my grandfather.
“Strong swimmer or not, she's back and almost killed Kiara and Hatari. I won't forgive her for that.” He said, angry.
“No one will.” Replied my grandfather. Thing is, I, of all people, blamed myself more that Zira. Today was a wake up call to me, telling me to never get animals into situations involving my visions. I was stupid enough to involve my mother and she almost got killed, and for that I would never forgive myself.
Never.
Chapter 5: Scar's curse.
It was a week after mother and I were attacked. She had woken up a few days before, but was pretty badly injured. I could walk, but I was limping. I couldn't run, so I decided to stay home until I fully healed. Rafiki had told me that the cut on my side was to deep to heal, so it would turn into a pretty nasty scar. The cut on my face would also turn into a scar, but it wouldn't be very noticeable.
I was in the den with my mother. My mother was giving me a bath. I had not said sorry yet for dragging her into that mess. I planned to do it that night.
“Mother...” I said. She stopped bathing me and looked at me. “I'm sorry I dragged you into all of this. I shouldn't have asked you to come along and almost get yourself killed like that.” I looked very ashamed. To my surprise, she pulled me into a tight hug.
“You don't have to say sorry for anything. I would protect you with my life.” She said in her soft, loving voice. I was shocked that she forgave me to easily. I tiny little tear went down my cheek. Thankfully, she didn't notice. That night, I was asleep between her paws. Everyone had gone to bed. I was having another vision, but this one was much much different.
It was very...white. Everything around me was white. I looked around.
“Hello?!” I called. My voice echoed through the white nothingness. “Anyone here?!” I called again. I suddenly heard an evil laugh, but it wasn't from Zira. Everything turned black. The laughing came again, louder this time. It sounded like it was coming from a male lion. Two eye's suddenly appeared in front of me. One with a scar on it. Then a face appeared. It didn't look like my father's face. A bunch of boxes started swirling around me. Each one had a scene, something that happened. It showed Simba when he came back to Pride Rock, and all scene's up until he was king. I put the pieces together in my head. My eye's widened.
Scar.
I heard a feint someone calling my name. Everything suddenly started to dissolve and disappear. I suddenly felt like I was falling. Just then, I woke with a gasp, breathing hard. I was looking around in panic. I suddenly felt my mother hug me.
“There there.” She comforted. “It was just a nightmare.” I saw my father was awake as well. Huru was still sleeping, which was no surprise. I was shaking. “Must have been a pretty bad one.” Said my mother. I nodded.
“But... but it wasn't a nightmare.” I said. “It was vision.” My parents looked at each other.
“About what?” Asked my father.
“Scar.” That's all I could say. My parents looked at each other with worried expressions. I put my head down. What was wrong with me?
I didn't have another vision of Scar for years. The second time I had a vision about him, I was a middle age teenager. I had grown a lot, and my training to become queen was already complete.
It started the same as the last one. Everything was white. This time, I didn't call out. I said nothing. But, for some strange reason, I felt like I was being watched. Suddenly, it was as if a devil was coming for me. I was surrounded by fire, but I didn't smell smoke or anything. It was very hot, though. I looked at the flame strait ahead of me. I saw... something. It looked like a lion... a lion standing in the fire! What ever it was, it started to move towards me. I backed up until I was close to the flames behind me, scared. I could then see what it was: It was Scar.
I was immediately angry. “Scar.” I said. I don't know what I was trying to do. I thought I was gonna have to defend myself from him, but this was a vision. He couldn't hurt me... right?
“Hatari. So nice to see you again.” Said Scar with an evil grin.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“I came merely to talk.” He said. I didn't believe him. He could tell, too. “Well, actually, there is something.” Suddenly, I felt as if I was struck by something. I was completely strait, eye's wide. Images filled my head as he began to speak. “The stars of the great kings will be covered by darkness. The moon will also be covered and out of reach. The lions of the past will come forth to serve their dead king. Fire will arise, and the one who is thought to be dead will kill the ones that are important to “her”. The animals will leave, and the water disappear, and everything will be lost.” The images stopped. I was breathing hard in the vision. I looked at Scar.
“Why are you telling me this? What does it all mean?” I asked.
“It's a warning.” He said. “Saying that when all of this happens, there is nothing you can do to stop it.” He said with his evil smile appearing on his face again.
“I've always been able to so bad things from happening.” I said. “This should be no different.”
“Do you really believe that?” He asked. I thought to myself.... No, I didn't believe it. I looked back at Scar.
“What's the point in telling me what is going to happen?” I asked, very confused. “It sounds like you want this to happen."
“Why, I just wanted my favorite little mystic to be prepared.” He said. "You know, when I found out that I could communicate with you, I was very surprised. It gives me more of an opportunity.” He said as he started to circle me.
“An opportunity for what?” I asked, trying not to sound scared.
“To be rid of you once and for all!” He exclaimed. “Once I am rid of you, no one, not even your puny father, can stop me!” He did an evil laugh.
“How can you do anything?!” I exclaimed, getting very angry. “You're a spirit. A nothing!” I realized what I had said was a mistake.
“My dear, you have to all wrong.” He said. “I wont be doing it.”
“Then who...” I stopped. My eye's widened as I remembered that frightening day. The day when Zira almost killed my mother and I. “Zira...” I said. It was almost a whisper.
“Exactly!” Scar exclaimed, snapping me out of my memory. “I can see Zira through her dreams. She knows exactly what to do. It's only a matter of time before you and your entire Pride are dead.”
“Why don't you just get rid of me now?” I asked. “You know that I could tell my father and we will be able to stop Zira.”
“That's exactly what I want you to do!” Tell your father that their coming. Because no matter what he does, there's nothing he could do to stop them.”
“We can try.” I said. Scar started to move in on me. I backed up. All of the sudden, another lion jumped at Scar. He disappeared. The new lion turned to me. He looked like my grandfather. Golden fur with a red mane.
“Who are you?” I asked, getting very annoyed with this vision.
“I am Mufasa, Simba's father.” Said the lion. I immediately relaxed, knowing I was in no danger.
“Mufasa, can you tell me what Scar meant?” I asked. When he shook his head no, I sighed.
“But I do know Scar's motives.” I looked at him. “Having these visions and being able to talk with us spirits is a great gift, but it is also a very dangerous gift. Scar could send you endless visions, and then you would never wake up. Also, if someone wakes you up while your in a vision, you could lose your memory and be lost in a forever trance, never to return.” I shuttered at that note.
“Is there something I can do to stop him?” I asked.
“You cant fully stop him, but you can possibly resist communication with him.” He replied.
“Can you teach me how?” I asked, feeling safer now.
“I can try.” Said Mufasa. “First, you need to...” Everything started to fluctuate. “Your father is trying to wake you up!” Shouted Mufasa. I could hear someone calling my name. It was feint. I could see Scar trying to pull me back into the vision. The voice got louder and louder. I suddenly gasped and looked around. Huru, Tahi, my mother and father were all standing around me, looking worried.
“Are you okay?” Asked my father.
“It was...” I stopped. Maybe I shouldn't tell them. “Nothing. It was nothing, I'm fine now.” Kiara looked at Kovu. He returned her gaze.
“If you're sure.” Said my mother.
“I'm sure.” I replied. “I'm going to go get a drink.” I said. And with that, I walked out of the den.
I couldn't tell them, I just couldn't. I didn't want anything to happen to them. I didn't want them to get killed, like my mother almost was. This was something I had to do on my own. I didn't know where to begin, but I did know that what ever I did would change the fate of the Pride, possibly forever.
Chapter 6: A truth revealed.
I spent my time mostly alone after that. I didn't let anyone talk to me about my vision, or even mention them. I had to think of what I was going to do. I was almost 100 percent sure that Zira and her Pride are staying just off the southern border, so if I was doing anything, that would be the place to do it at. There was just one little problem... I didn't actually have a plan. But I was determined to think of something.
A few days after my vision with Scar, I lay awake in the den, my head to filled with questions and plans to sleep. Suddenly, I heard feint talking outside of the den. I crept to the mouth of the den to see my mother and father talking.
“Oh Kovu, what are we going to do? She's spending so much time alone.” I heard my mother say.
“I don't know dear.” Said my father. “I'm sure it has to do with her visions, but why wouldn't she tell us is something was wrong?”
“Maybe she's worried that the same thing will happen again with Zira. She doesn't want anyone to get hurt.” Said my mother. “Maybe we could ask Rafiki to talk to her, see what's up. He's the one person that knows much of anything about Hatari's visions.” Said my mother.
“I don't think that's such a good idea, Kiara.” Said my father. “Maybe it something she doesn't want to share. Maybe it's something that can't be shared.” I felt terrible for making them worry so much. I walked back into the den. Finally, after hours of thinking, I fell asleep.
The next day, I stayed inside the den of Pride Rock. I had a lot to think about. I didn't even notice Tahi walk up to me.
“You okay Hati?” He asked. I shook my head.
“It's my parents. They're so worried that something's wrong with me.” I explained. “I feel awful putting them in so much worry.” I sighed. “Maybe I should just leave this place all together so everyone could just forget about my stupid visions and stop worrying.” Tahi stared at me, not knowing what to say. He then, to my surprise, smiled.
“Come with me. I have something I want to show you” He said. He started to walk away. I sat there for a second, puzzled. I got up and walked after him. He led me all the way to the tip top of Pride Rock. “I want you to look out over the Pride Lands.”
“Okay.” I said, still confused. “I'm looking.”
“Now, I want you to imagine yourself in 5 or 10 years. What do you see?” He asked.
“I see... myself, running the endless earth in search of the place were I belonged.” I replied. “Wondering what would have happened it I had stayed back home.”
“That's what I thought you'd say.” He inched a little closer to me. He lowered his voice a little. “Now, I want you to imagine yourself staying and being queen.” I stared back out at the Pride Lands. “I want you to imagine the land. How green and full of life it is. And the sky, how blue and untouched it's been for thousands of years. And I want you to imagine yourself, sitting right here, thinking to yourself 'I will be a great queen, just like my father wanted me to be.' I want you to see the animals, and know that with your mystic gift, you're helping them every day.” I started to understand what he was saying. “I want you to see the wonderful lioness I see inside of you. The lioness that's going to make all of us proud to say that you are our queen. I want you to look at your Pride, your family, and know that you're keeping them safe and happy. I want you to imagine a world with little dangers or threats. A world with someone who knew what was going to happen every day, and know what to do with it. I want you to imagine yourself being proud of your gift, and using it the help everyone.” I understood what he was saying. I could see everything he had just said in myself. The wind picked up. I closed my eyes as it blew against me, making my longer fur flow with it, Tahi's mane gently flowing with the wind beside me. I felt it brush up against my shoulder slightly, and I knew he had moved a little closer. “Do you see it now?” He asked. I nodded.
“I do.” I said in almost a whisper. I looked at him. “Thanks.” I said. He smiled. I looked into his eye's. They were so... untouched, safe, calming.
“Don't you think you'll make your parents even more worried if you left?” He asked with a smile.
“Ya, I probably would.” I said. We fell silent. “I see myself sitting here in 5 or 10 years... but I also see you, sitting right here next to me.” I said softly. He looked a little surprised. I smiled, and he smiled back. I knew what I wanted more than anything else, now. And I could feel that he wanted it as well. I closed my eye's as we nuzzled each other. The wind picked up around us.
I had realized what I should have realized a long time ago, something I would have never had if I had run away. I had found my soul mate.
I was feeling a lot better now. I started talking with the Pride again and playing with Huru and Tahi. For a while, I completely forgot about the vision, until one day when I went back to the southern border.
Tahi was with me. We were just taking a walk when I realized where we were. If I was going to do something, it had to be now.
“You stay here, Tahi.” I said. “I have something to do.”
“Maybe I should come along?” He ask. I shook my head no.
“This is something I have to do. Just wait here, I'll be back in a few minutes.” And with that, I started going towards the end of the Pride Lands. I walked for a while. I came to the top of a low rise hill to see where the southern border was. Just beyond the southern border were the Outlands. I then knew why my father was so upset about his past.
He had told me that he used to live there. He told me of his past with my aunt Vitani, and my dead uncle Nuka. He told me of the terrible training hr had to go through, and how much suffering went with it. He told me of the plot against Simba. But he couldn't do it when he fell in love with my mother. He talked about a war, but he never gave me any details about it.
I started to walk into the Outlands. As I went deeper and deeper into the dry land, I heard talking. I went up behind a large termite mound. I peeked out from behind it to see Zira and over 20 lionesses. She was talking to them.
“Our time is near.” She said. “Scar has informed me our time to strike will be coming soon, on the darkest day in the Pride Lands history!” All the lionesses roared. I had heard enough. I turned o see a lioness standing behind me. She was one of Zira's Pride members.
“Well what do we have here?” She asked, pushing me to the ground. “Hey Zira, come take a look at what I found!” I stood up. Almost instantly, I was surrounded by the Pride. Zira was right in front of me.
“Well well well. It looks as if we have a spy in our midst.” She said with an evil grin.
“I was just leaving.” I tried to get out of the circle, but couldn't.
“No, please stay.” Said Zira. “It's been a while since we've had a visitor. Oh, by the way, how's your mother doing?”
“I'm not talking to you.” I said, trying to control my anger.
“Yes, of course.” She looked at the Scars on my face and side. “Judging by the look of the scars I gave you, you, she must not be doing to good.”
I went up right in front of her head, our noses almost touching. “Maybe you'd like one to match!” I roared. The circle enclosed on me a little more. I looked around, trying to find a way to escape. Then I saw the termite mound. “Actually, my offer will have to wait. Right now, I have an escape to get to!” I jumped onto the termite mound and used it to get me over the group of lionesses. I landed and started to run for the Pride Lands, Zira' Pride close behind.
I got into the Pride Lands. I ran and ran. I looked back and screamed when I saw that they were almost right on top of me. I started to run faster. Then I saw Tahi lying in the shade of a tree.
“Run Tahi, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I screamed. He stood up, saw me running from Zira's Pride, and immediately started running. I caught up to him. We looked back to see Zira and her pride heading back to the Outlands. We stopped. I was exhausted. I sat down, breathing very hard.
“Hatari, what is going on?” Asked Tahi.
“If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone?” I asked.
“Ya, sure.”
“Swear it!” I exclaimed.
“Okay okay!” He said. “I promise I wont tell.
I looked down. “Scar gave me a vision. A bad one.” I said. Tahi looked shocked. “He told me something. It was like a prophecy.”
“What did it say?” He asked.
“I'll recite it as he said it.” I said. “The stars of the great kings will be covered by darkness. The moon will also be covered and out of reach. The lions of the past will come forth to serve their dead king. Fire will arise, and the one who is thought to be dead will kill the ones that are important to “her”. The animals will leave, and the water disappear, and everything will be lost.” I shuttered. Tahi just stared at me, open mouthed. I looked away.
“Why didn't you tell anyone sooner?” He asked.
I closed my eye's tight. “Because I didn't want anyone to run off and get hurt.” I said. Tahi said nothing. He gave me a little lick on the cheek. I looked at him. He smiled, and I couldn't help but smile back.
Chapter 7: The Resistance.
I woke up in the middle of the night. It was another vision, not a very bad one though. I rubbed my eye's and looked around. Everyone was asleep... except Tahi. He wasn't in the den. I got up and walked outside. I found Tahi siting at the top of Pride Rock, staring at the sky. I stopped behind hm. He apparently knew I was there because he started to talk.
“My father always said what a great king his father was. I had always wished that he could see him again.” I sat down next to him. “My grandfather left us when I was a baby. My father always said that he wanted to be just like his father, and when his time came, he would be up there with his dad, and I would be left to rule... Now he's up there with my grandfather, and I am here.” He sighed, sad.
“What happened?” I asked. I realized that maybe I shouldn't have asked him that.
“It all happened so fast... Someone came to our kingdom and said that they wanted to take over. But my father refused. There was a fight, and after a very long time of fighting, my father was killed. I was so shocked and scared that I ran away, leaving my 3 younger sisters and mother behind.” He said. I could tell how sad he was. He looked back at the sky. I moved closer and put my head into his mane.
“Well you wanna know what I think?” I asked, looking at the sky. I could see him look at me from the corner of my eye. “I think your father is that star right there.” I pointed to the second brightest star I could find, it was the star right next to King Mohatu's star. “The star next to king Mohatu, the greatest king who ever ruled the Pride Lands.” I looked at him. He looked at the star, then back at me with a smile.
“How did I get stuck with a lioness like you?” He asked with a smile. I laughed.
“I think we were both just lucky.” I said, chuckling. We nuzzled each other.
The next day, we were out walking around the Pride Lands, talking.
“So I told him too...” We heard voices. We looked at each other, than started to move towards it. We peeked out from behind a bush to see Huru talking to a female lioness. She wasn't from our Pride.
“Huru?” I asked, coming out from behind the bush. Huru jumped and looked at me.
“Hati!” He exclaimed. “What are you doing here?” He asked nervously.
“I could ask you the same thing.” I said. Tahi came up next to me. “Who's this?”
“Hatari, this is...”
“Isabella?!” Exclaimed Tahi. We all looked at him.
“How do you know my name?” Asked the female lioness.
“You don't remember me?” Tahi asked. “I'm Tahi.”
“No way. My brother died a long time ago.” She said.
“Wait, hold up a second.” I said. I looked at Tahi. “This is your sister?” I asked. Tahi nodded.
“That's not possible... my brother was killed along with my dad when the lioness took over.” She said.
“A lioness killed dad?!” Tahi exclaimed.
“My father. I don't know who you are, but stop acting like Tahi.”
“But I am Tahi. Our sisters names or May and Suzzin, and our moms name is Kerin, and dad's name was Kuno. Believe me now?” He asked. Isabella stared at him.
“How did you escape?!” She exclaimed with a smile. “Everyone thought you were dead!”
“Actually, I was no where near the fight. But I knew the lioness would try to kill me so I ran away.”
“Well that explains a lot.” Said Isabella.
“How did you get here?” I asked.
“Well, the lioness that took over brought us here. She said we had to live in the Outlands.” Explained Isabella.
“Wait... is this lionesses name Zira?” I asked. She nodded. Tahi and I looked shocked. Huru looked ashamed.
“I was going to tell you guys, but it just got harder and harder. We didn't know what you guys would say.”
“But Huru, she's with Zira. She helped almost kill mom and I, remember?” I said.
“Actually, I wasn't there. I keep leaving the battles and such and then coming back. No one notices a thing.” Said Isabella. “I'm not evil. My mother and sisters aren't either. Heck, none of the pride is evil, but we're all afraid of Zira. We follow her to survive.”
“So... is everyone still alright?” Asked Tahi.
“Ya, for the moment. Zira is planning to take over the Pride Lands soon.” Said Isabella.
“Well that's helpful.” I said. “Do you know when?”
“She said on the darkest night in the Pride Lands history, whatever that means.” She said.
"But the night is always dark." Said Huru. We all looked puzzled.
“Hey guys, will you let me talk to Bella for a little bit please?” Asked Tahi. Huru and I looked at each other. I looked back at Tahi.
“Sure thing.” I said. We nuzzled each other, then Huru and I walked back toward Pride Rock.
Later that day, Tahi came back. I ran over to him.
“So?” I asked.
“I got to talk to my mother and my other two sisters.” He said. “They don't want to follow Zira anymore. They'll help us in secret in any way possible.” I let out a sigh of relief.
“That's good.” I said.
“Now that I know Zira killed my father, she's gonna get what she deserves.” He said in an angry tone. I nuzzled him a bit.
“I promise, I'm gonna make sure that she pays for everything she's done.” I said. He nuzzled me back. “At least we've got a little resistance going here.”
“Ya. I think it just might work.” Said Tahi.
“Lets hope.” I said.
This was the first step in beating Zira. Though no one knew what was to happen he next day.
Chapter 8: The darkest night.
I woke up early in the night. I could feel Tahi up against my side, his breathing calm and normal. I slowly got up, careful not to wake him. I walked out of the den. The moon was visible now. Tahi was going to introduce me to his family under the full moon so that no one knew we were gone.
I waited for him to wake up at the bottom of Pride Rock. I saw him walking towards me about 10 minutes later.
“Hey.” I whispered.
“Hey” He whispered back as we nuzzled each other. “Follow me.” He said. He got up and started walking away. I followed. We soon got to a field. There was no one around. “Funny.” He said. “They said they'd be here.” Suddenly, we saw 4 figures sprinting towards us. They skid to a stop right before they hit us. It was Tahi's family. “Hey guys.” Said Tahi.
“Hey Tahi.” All for of them said at once, tired.
“Hati, this is my family. My mother, Kerin, My youngest sister Suzzin. The second youngest, May. And you already know Bella.” Said Tahi with a smile. I smiled at them.
“We didn't come for introductions today, son.” Said Kerin. “Zira said that the attack is going to be tonight.” Tahi and I looked shocked. Everything stated to darken. We all looked up. Something was covering the moon, something round.
“The darkest night in the Pride Land's history...” I whispered. My eye's widened. “Tahi, it's a Lunar eclipse! The darkest night in history is a Lunar eclipse!” I exclaimed. I looked at Tahi. “We need to get back to Pride Rock, now!” I started to run for Pride Rock. I looked back. Tahi said something to his family, then ran after me. His family ran back for the Outlands. We were going as fast as we could. You couldn't see the stars anymore. We made it back to Pride Rock just before the eclipse happened. Everything turned darker than normal. The whole Pride was at the edge of Pride Rock, looking at the eclipse. How they were woken up, I have no idea. We raced up Pride Rock and over to my father and mother. We skid to a stop in front of them, out of breath.
“Hatari, what is going on?” Asked my father. They knew something was up.
“An eclipse.” I said.
“Yes, we know that part. But why were you guys running like you were being attacked?” Asked my mother.
“Because the Pride is about to be, look!” I exclaimed, pointing toward a group of lionesses running for Pride Rock. My father roared, telling everyone that an attack was coming. Everyone gathered. Tahi and I were at the back of the group.
“Hati... I can't fight them. They're my friends, my family.” Said Tahi, looking down.
“I understand.” I said. “I want you to get somewhere safe, if my father asks where you were, I'll explain the situation to him, okay?”
“Okay.” Said Tahi. We nuzzled each other, then he ran off. I went over next to my father. I wasn't going to hurt anyone, just maybe knock a few out here and there. Zira's pride was almost to Pride Rock. Everyone started running for them. Soon they collided, and a huge fight broke out. I stayed at Pride Rock and knocked out anyone who got out of the battle and came for Pride Rock. Zira's pride was very strong, and before we knew it, we were beaten. We had no choice but to leave the battle. My father roared and started to run. Everyone ran after him, except me. I didn't want to leave. Pride Rock was my home, the Pride Lands were my future kingdom, and after what Scar told me, I couldn't just let them take over. I stood my ground as Zira approached me. She said nothing, just smiled. The lionesses were suddenly all over me. I was fighting harder than normal, but it was no use. I got away from the battle, injured. When I found my Pride, they were looking for me. Huru, my mother and father ran up to me.
“You alright Hati?” Asked my brother. I nodded, though I was lying. Tahi soon found us an ran over to us. No one said anything about his absence.
“We have to find shelter and re group. Head for the cave on the western border!” Called my father. Everyone started walking toward the border. I slowly walked after them, Tahi right beside me.
“Did you stand your ground against my whole entire Pride?” Asked Tahi, looking at my wounds.
“Well when else was I supposed to do?” I asked in an injured voice.
“You should have run from the scene. We can always win the Pride Lands back.” Said Tahi.
“Ya, well I'm not thinking clearly lately.” I said. We kept walking. I suddenly stopped, I was looking strait ahead. Something came to me. I don't know exactly what it was, but it was weird. I could barley see Tahi run over to me. He asked me what was wrong. I stated to fall forward. I felt Tahi catch me and set me on the ground. The last thing I heard was Tahi calling my father, then everything went blank.
It was the fire realm, just like last time. Just like the last time Scar contacted me. This time, I knew what to expect. As I thought, Scar came.
“What did I tell you? There's nothing you can do to stop this.” He said with an evil smile.
“It's not over yet, Scar! We still have a chance to defeat Zira!” I roared back.
“Do you really believe that? You have one member who wont even fight. Many are wounded and you're out cold in reality. It's over.” Said Scar.
“No! It's not over until I win or I'm dead!” I said back.
“That is why there is a prophecy. Honestly, don't you have a better brain than this?” He asked with a laugh. As he was talking, I started thinking to myself.
“I have to get back to reality... but how?” I suddenly remembered something Mufasa had told me the night before.
“All you have to do is think of something else, take your mind of of Scar. He gets into your mind when you think about him. Just think about something else...” His words echoed through my head. I closed my eye's. 'Gotta think, gotta think, gotta think. I have to get back. 'Gotta get back to Tahi and my family. I just have to!' Suddenly, everything became quiet. I opened my eye's to see I was in a white room. I had done it! But also, I had the feeling I was not alone. I looked around. I then saw a lion standing a few feet away. He wasn't Scar, or Mufasa. It was a white lion, like Tahi. I turned fully to him.
“Now what?” I asked, wanting to just wake up already.
“My name is Kuno. Tahi is my son.” I was surprised. “I appreciate you giving me an official star.” He said with a chuckle.
“You're welcome...” I said, not knowing what to say. “What do you want to talk to me about?” I asked.
“Scar told you a prophecy, right?” I nodded. “Well, he didn't tell you the end of it.” I immediately started listening very closely. “When everyone thinks that there is no hope, an individual rises from the ashes to help save the kingdom. He who is white will get help from his loved one, but they will make a great sacrifice. All will rest on one's shoulders. If done wrong, nothing will survive.”
“Okay...” I said, confused. “Thank you for telling me. I'm sure I can figure out what it means.” Kuno nodded.
“Tell Tahi how proud I am of him, and that some day I will visit him in his dreams.” He suddenly disappeared. Next thing I knew, I was awake in reality.
I didn't understand it. What did the end of the prophecy mean? I looked outside to see that it was light out. I then saw Tahi walk into the den. When he saw I was awake, a huge smile came onto his face as he ran over to me.
“You're finally awake!” He exclaimed as we nuzzled each other. “Everyone was getting worried.”
“How long have I been out?” I asked. His face changed.
“3 days.” He said. I gasped.
“3 days!?” I exclaimed. “But...how? My vision was short, it couldn't have been 3 days long!” I exclaimed.
“Well, it was 3 days. You should go tell Kovu that you've woken up.” He said.
“Oh, right.” I said as we walked out of the den. I saw that we were at a small cave on the western border. I looked around and saw my father talking to my mother. We walked over to them. “Hey mom, hey dad.” I said. They looked at me and immediately had a big smile on their faces.
“Thank goodness you've woken up!” Exclaimed my mother as she nuzzled me.
“Ya. Glad to be awake.” I said. “I need to get some water.” I said. With that, I walked away. I went to a waterhole near our temporary den. I took a quick drink and sat down, staring at my reflection. I was very deep in thought.
“Hatari?” Someone said. I jumped and turned to see Tahi standing behind me. I let out a sigh of relief. “Sorry bout that.” He said as he sat next to me.
“It's okay.” I said. I looked back at my reflection. Tahi bent his head down a little to look at my face.
“I know that face, Hati.” I looked at him. “What's wrong?”
“It was the last part to the prophecy Scar told me.” I said.
“There was more?” I nodded. “What was the rest of it?” He asked.
“When everyone thinks that there is no hope, an individual rises from the ashes to help save the kingdom. He who is white will get help from his loved one, but they will make a great sacrifice. All will rest on one's shoulders. If done wrong, nothing will survive.” I looked at him again. “I can't make heads or tails of it.”
“Hmm... Very strange.” We fell silent.
“I... got to speak to your father.” I said. Tahi looked at me, very surprised.
“You did?” He asked. I nodded.
“He said that he's very proud of you and that he will visit you in your dreams someday.” Tahi looked at the sky. “He also said that I gave him the official star.” I said with a smile.
“No way. You just had a lucky guess.” He said, nudging me with his paw a little.
“It's the truth. He said so himself.” I said back.
“Well then, I guess the spirits must have taken a liking to you. I better guard my girlfriend a little more closely.” He said with a playful smile. I knocked him over, pinning him to the ground.
“I wouldn't expect any less from you.” I said. We laughed. We both suddenly looked up with a gasp when we heard a huge boom of thunder. Clouds were filling the sky, turning the blue sky's into gray. I got off of Tahi and looked towards the sky. A flash of lightning came, making both of us jump. “Of course...” I whispered. “I'm so stupid! Why didn't I see this before?”
“See what?” Asked Tahi.
“The prophecy, it's already begun. Remember, The great kings of the past will be covered with darkness, so will the moon.”
“The Lunar Eclipse!” Exclaimed Tahi.
“The lionesses came back to serve Scar, their dead king...” Suddenly, lightning hit the ground near us. A fire started. “Fire will arise, fire will arise!!!!” I roared. We started to run for the den. When we got back, everyone was inside, away from the fire. We got inside just before the fire reached the mouth of the den. We were lucky that there weren't any plants on or in the den. “Okay, this prophecy is getting on my nerves already.” I said, gasping for air. It was hard to breath through the smoke. Everyone was as low to the ground as possible. I didn't even want to think of the next part of the prophecy.
What ever was going to happen next, it was nothing good. “The one who is thought to be dead will kill the ones that are important to 'Her'.” I whispered to myself. Thankfully, Nobody heard me.
Chapter 9: The legend.
After a long time of waiting, the rain came, putting out the fire. It had burned over half of the Pride Lands. It was pouring out, and it would not let up. I had lost sight of Tahi, but I wasn't worried about him. I didn't think he was going to do anything stupid, he can take care of himself. I was talking to my father, grandfather and grandmother.
“First my mom takes over Pride Rock, then the fire, and now this! What's next?” Asked my father.
“You have no idea.” I thought to myself. I heard my mother run up to us. I was looking away, thinking.
“Guys, Tahi left and I can't find him anywhere.” She said. I shot my head up and looked at her worried.
“Did you see what direction he was going?” Asked my father.
“Last I saw him he was heading for Pride Rock...” At that note, I ran out of the den at a full sprint. I heard my father calling after me, but I didn't listen. I knew what the prophecy meant now. I had to get to Tahi, and fast.
It was hard to see through the rain. When I finally saw Pride Rock, I saw Tahi talking to Zira and a bunch of the Pride. I started running faster in fear of what might happen. I saw the Pride closing in on Tahi. He backed up until he was up against a rock. I got there very quickly. I roared and jumped in between Zira and Tahi, breathing heavily.
“You're quick.” Said Tahi, amazed.
“You know, you shouldn't be going off to fight Zira on your own. You got the entire Pride worried sick.” I said through my heavy breaths.
“Sorry.” He said. I nodded a “no problem” to him.
“It was a mistake for both of you to come here.” Said Zira. Then, suddenly, someone knocked me over. Tahi got pushed to the ground, so did Tahi's mother, who was standing nearby. Next thing I knew, my neck was under Zira's paw. Her weight choking me a tiny bit.
“Okay, who ever knocked me over was very, very strong.” I said. I could see Zira's other paw on Tahi's mothers neck. I looked at Tahi. He shook his head and stood up, then had a horrified expression at what he saw. “I would kill them both right now.” Said Zira. Kerin and I tensed up. “But, I am still tired from taking over Pride Rock. So, I will make you a special, once in a lifetime offer. You chose one of these lionesses, and that lioness lives. Then, both of you get to watch the other one die.” She said with an evil smile. I tried to get Zira off of me, but she was strong. I looked at Tahi. He looked crushed and horrified.
“But...” He started, but he couldn't say anything else, he could only stare at Kerin and I at Zira's mercy. I saw his eye's move back and forth between us. I knew what I had to do.
“Chose you mother, Tahi!” Everyone looked at me, surprised. Zira put more weight on my neck. I coughed and regained some of my breath. “She is more important than I am.” I was out of breath, and couldn't talk much more. Tahi looked shocked.
“But... I can't....” He started.
“Just do it!” I yelled with the last ounce of air I had. Zira put even more weight on me, making me gasp for air.
“Talk once more and both of you die!” Zira yelled at me. Yes, I was afraid, but not as afraid as I would be if Tahi chose me. Tahi looked between the two of us again, then sighed.
“Come on, mom.” He said. Zira let Kerin up. She ran over to her son and nuzzled him. Tahi looked at me. I smiled at him. I knew he could see how scarred I was. Zira turned to me fully, her paw still on my neck. In the little time that it took for her to turn, I was able to breath some until her weight was back on my neck.
“Well, it seems that the mystic takes the fall.” She put her other paw up. “Any final words?” Her grip was tighter on me now, and I was finding it harder and harder to breath. I then had a sudden vision. It was my dad taking down Zira. I could tell it was about to happen. I smiled.
“Ya. I wouldn't stand there if I were you.” I said with the little air I had. Then, as the vision showed me, m father pounced on Zira, getting her weight of of my neck. I took gasps. Tahi and Kerin ran over to me.
“Are you okay?” Asked Tahi. I coughed.
“Ya, I'm fine.” They helped me up. Then we saw the entire Pride Start attacking Zira's pride. “Lets get in on the action.” Kerin and Tahi nodded, then went off to fight. I ran off to help my father. I saw Zira and my father on a ledge. Zira was closest to the drop. I couldn't move. I knew something bad was going to happen, but all I could do was stand there, listening.
“Kovu! You traitor! I still haven't forgotten what you and your dear wife did to me! She almost killed me!” She roared.
“Then how did you survive, mother?!” My father roared back. Zira laughed.
“Will power, my son! I am strong, that fall was nothing that I couldn't handle! You, on the other hand, are weak, and let me fall into the river below!”
“If you were nice to everyone I would have saved you, but you threatened to destroy everything I held dear, including your own daughter!” Yelled my father. I could tell he was getting very angry.
“It was Simba that took away everything I held dear! So I tried to take away his life, just as he pried me away from mine!” She yelled back.
“Then why did you threaten to kill Tani?!” He asked.
“Because she was no use to me! Neither was Nuka! Everyone was a pawn!”
“Your own family were pawns in a worthless game?!” He roared, now reaching his breaking point. “It's like you don't care abut us anymore, mom! It's like you don't care for your own children!”
“That's because I don't care for my children! All I care about is revenge, and that will always be the only thing I care about!!!” She roared as she pounced at my dad. They started to fight. Just then, I was attacked. I turned to see one of Zira's lionesses.
“Please, I don't want to hurt you!” I said, but the lioness attacked me again, and I started to fight for my life. Finally, I defeated her. As she ran, I turned to Zira and my father, only to see Zira hit my father with incredible force. He was bleeding in may places, and was breathing in gasps. I screamed.
“Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Tahi was soon by my side and saw what had happened. Tears were filling my eyes. But they weren't just tears of sadness, but also of anger and hatred. I started to run down to my father, Tahi right on my heels. He hit Zira away and distracted her. I ran over to my father. I stared at him for a second, then nuzzled him. He slowly opened his eye's.
“Hatari...” He said trough an injured voice. I nodded.
“It's me.” I said as best I could. My voice was shaking. My whole body was shaking! Tears were streaming down my cheeks. “Everything's going to be okay. Just hold on a little longer, we can help you!” I said. But I knew that he wasn't going to make it.
“Don't be sad for me...” He whispered. “I have served my purpose here, and now it is time for you to serve yours. It's your time now...” He said.
“No daddy, please don't leave me. You have to live, I couldn't bare life without you with me!” I said. He weakly put his paw on mine.
“My time here is done... I will always be here for you... You will make a fine queen...” He said, starting to lose his breath.
“But... but what will I do without you? What will all of us do without you?”
“You all will do fine, I know it. Just remember that I will be right beside you everyday, and you will all do great...” He took a deep breath. “Tell Huru and your mother that I love you all very much... And I will see you all again, someday...” He said, breathing faster and faster.
“Daddy? Daddy, please don't leave me! Please!” His eye's closed. I saw his chest rise and fall, and then he was still. I was crushed. I nudged him. “Daddy?” I whispered. He didn't move. “No...” I closed my eyes. The rain seemed to come down harder. I looked up, but only saw Grey, lifeless clouds. I couldn't believe that a mother would kill her own son. My body suddenly filled with rage. I felt as if it was pouring out of my body. I couldn't control myself. I could feel myself becoming what Zira was. I wanted revenge. I turned to see Zira and Tahi circling each other. At the first opportunity, I pounced on Zira. We started to fight. I felt stronger than ever before. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tahi's shocked expression. That did it for me. My heart broke into a million pieces. I saw what I had become. Zira saw this opportunity as the time to finish me, so she struck me down with incredible force. I was on the ground. I tried to stand, but was badly injured. I had a sharp pain in my back right foot. I remember Zira biting me hard. I could tell that she had crushed the bone. Tahi ran over to me and nuzzled me. I was in extreme pain.
“Will you...” Tahi started, but I cut him short.
“I think so.” I said. I looked at Zira. She was standing there, ready to pounce and kill me. “Tahi, get out of here. I can't lose you too.” I said. Tahi backed up a few steps, then stopped. “Now!” I yelled, then I looked back at Zira. I looked into her eye's, and I could tell that she had lost her true soul a long time ago. All that was left was hatred. I knew that I wouldn't survive this blow. I silently begged the great kings for my family to survive, even if I didn't. Zira walked up to me.
“I will take great pleasure in killing you once and for all.” She said with an evil smile. She raised her paw. I closed my eye's, knowing what was about to happen. I then heard a roar. My eye's flew open, and I saw that Tahi had stopped Zira and started attacking her.
“Tahi, no! Stop!” I yelled. He didn't listen to me. They were getting closer and closer to he edge. I suddenly felt my strength returning. I slowly stood up. I saw that Tahi and Zira were right at the edge. Tahi was the closest the the giant drop.
“You shall be the first to go!” Roared Zira. She pounced at him. He ducked, Zira went over the edge of the cliff. As she was falling, she grabbed hold of Tahi, making him fall as well.
“Tahi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I screamed.
I couldn't believe it. I had just lost my father and Tahi. I limped over to the edge to the cliff and looked down, but saw nothing. More tears started streaming down my cheeks. I backed up a bit, then slowly started to walk away. As I looked around, I saw Zira's Pride being beaten. I saw Tahi's family not fighting anyone, and I saw Huru talking to them. Then, through my thoughts, I heard breathing from behind me. I stopped, but didn't turn.
“The spirits said I died.” Came a familiar voice. “But the spirits were wrong!” I turned sideways, and saw Tahi standing behind me. I was shocked, yet happy at the same time. Neither of us moved or spoke. I turned fully to him. Tahi walked over to me.
“How did you...” I was cut short when Tahi nuzzled me. I smiled and nuzzled him back.
“I survived for you.” He whispered. I was so relieved that he was safe. At least I hadn't lost anyone else. Then I realized what I was missing.
What ever happened to everyone else?
Chapter 10: The new era.
Tahi and I slowly walked towards the front of Pride Rock. I was beat up pretty bad, so Tahi had to help me keep my balance. We found the rest of the Pride. Thankfully, I saw that we hadn't lost anyone else. I saw Tahi's family with Huru and my mother. He had obviously explained who they were to the Pride already. Tahi and I walked up and nuzzled our families, making sure they were alright.
“Thank goodness everyone's okay.” Said my mother. I looked down.
“Not everyone.” I said. I looked at her. She then realized who wasn't there. I could see tears go down her cheeks. Huru knew what had happened as well. He gave me a nudge, and I smiled at him weakly.
“If dad is gone... Then who is ruler?” He asked.
“There's no question.” Said my mother. She looked at me. “You have to take the position.” Said my mother.
“Me?” I asked. “Now? I'm still a teenager!” I said. My mother nodded.
“Kovu taught you everything you needed to know. You learned quick. There is no one else to take the position.” Said my mother.
“Can't you take the position?' I asked. She shook her head no.
“I have served my time as queen. Now, it's your turn.” We heard a rattling sound. Then we saw Rafiki. I looked at my mother again.
“You really believe I'm ready?” I asked.
“Hatari, you've always been ready.” She said. I nuzzled her. I knew what I had to do. I turned and started to limp up towards Rafiki. Then I stopped and looked back at Tahi. He was looking away a little. I smiled.
“Well, are you coming or what?” I asked. Tahi looked at me, surprised. He looked at my mother. She looked at him and nodded. He ran over to me. “I wouldn't do this without you.” I said. We walked up to Rafiki.
“It's time.” He said. We nodded and started to walk up Pride Rock. We had done it. We cut the middle of the vision out and skipped strait to the good part, the part where everyone was safe.
And as we were slowly making our way up the rock, I couldn't help but think of my past. I had a flashback of my childhood to my adult hood. Everything from my birth to meeting Tahi to falling in love with him, and then up to this very moment. I looked down at the Pride I had grown up with. The Pride I protected with my visions. My family. I then saw Huru sit next to Isabella. They looked at each other, then nuzzled each other. I smile and quickly whispered to Tahi what I had seen. He smiled, not saying anything.
And as we roared across the land, I realized what I had been missing for so long. I realized that it was a gift to become the queen. Many lionesses would never have the chance. I never felt like I deserved the position. But now, as I felt the strength of my family and the great kings... my father... I realized that I had truly earned my position as queen. I knew that my family was proud of me. I knew that my father was the proudest father in the world. And I could tell that Tahi was thinking the same for Kuno.
