Nathari and Saeska rushed across the sweeping grasslands beyond the forests edge. The land was cool and crisp in the morning air. The sky scattered red smears across the clouds as it began its ascent in the eastern sky. As the two rushed through, parting the grass with their bodies, barely able to see the other as they barreled on they kept their pace brisk.
"Love, we have to find some food." Saeska protested, trailing behind Nathari.
"I know I know." He replied urgently. "My stomachs at me as well, but this is all thick grassland, I don't see any game or even any trails." Saeska moaned, hanging her head briefly as they continued through the brush. At last they caught a break in the grass as they crested the peak of a shallow hill. Nathari heaved a sigh of relief as he reached the top and eagerly scratched at his shoulders and belly. "Ugh, itches like crazy!" He complained. Saeska gave a little giggle and started to help him relieve the itches on his back and legs. He smiled as she gently worked her way through his fur, quickly nuzzling her in appreciation for her efforts.
"You're welcome love." She cooed, rubbing her head beneath his chin. Nathari turned his gaze to the grasslands ahead and smiled, noting the dip in the land just off to the southwest.
"There, that's the entrance into the valley, we get in there, hang a left at the great divide, we'll be there in no time." He said with certainty. Saeska smiled and surveyed the land herself as well. Not far from the valley seemed a large amount of trampled grass, strung about in a path leading off to the west. She smiled and licked her chops.
"Prey!" She announced happily.
"Oh?!" Nathari in surprise eagerly looked on. "Where?"
"Haha, gotta have a hunters eye like me lover boy." She joked, batting the bit of mane covering his face. "Comon fuzzy boy, let's go get us some breakfast." Nathari nodded and encouraged her to take the lead. The grass grew shorter and shorter on their sides as they ran down into the open fields. Large yellow and green patches decorated the area in a seemingly maze like pattern. Ignoring the seeming boundaries they cut through and made quick work toward the path, possibly carved by the prey. Saeska put her muzzle to the ground, taking deep breaths as she swayed back and forth, searching for even the faintest hint of wildlife beyond themselves. At last she caught a faint scent, carried by the wind. Pointing off toward the east, the sunrise seemed to reveal the hint of antlers above a thicket of grass.
"Found something?" He asked eagerly.
"Shh." She hushed, creeping her way slowly eastward. The wind was shearing over her head; even though it was a mellow breeze it carried the scent of the animal well. Noting the clearing up ahead, she lowered her body to the ground, a wicked little grin grew across her face. In a moment she turned to Nathari and raised a finger to her mouth. He understood, and compliantly laid in wait. Saeska peered between the folds of the grass, seeing the sun rising behind a small herd of gazelle. Taking a slow, soft breath, she riled her shoulders and focused on the buck that was grazing with his back turned. She locked on and with a quick burst from the brush she charged in. The does and small fawns scattered but the male barely noticed her intrusion and was quickly ambushed. Saeska locked her fangs in deep to its throat and took him to the ground. The creature attempted to struggle but as Nathari revealed himself from the brush he helped immediately in keeping the creature pinned. Saeska felt the breath leave him and released her bloodied fangs with a sigh.
"Good job lover!" Nathari complimented. Saeska smiled and nodded to him.
"It's such a strange rush, feels great to hunt." She giggled. Nathari chuckled a little as well as they slowly began to pick at their new meal. Feasting away for a good hour, they renewed their strength and were ready to head off.
"Filled up ok?" He asked, quickly checking before they rushed off.
"Oh yeah." She nodded eagerly, wiping her lips. "I should be fine till we get there, how much further?"
"About a day and a half if we keep a steady pace but. If we really book it, we can pass the divide this afternoon and break into the high reach basin by late night."
"Yeah?" She asked eagerly. "I think you know what I'm leaning toward."
"I had a feeling." He agreed, laughing a little to himself. "But listen, we gotta be careful ok? The valley has tons of sharp rocks and gopher holes. We can run, we just gotta keep our feet you know?"
"Yeah I got it." She acknowledged with a smile. "Look about yesterday."
"Don't worry." He quickly dismissed. "Already forgiven."
"I know." She moaned, moving in closer to him. "I'm just so worked up you know? It's my daddy."
"I know baby, it's alright, you know I love you." He comforted, taking her into his chest.
"You're a good mate." She whispered into his mane. "I'm so glad I got you." He released her and smiled, giving her a quick kiss.
"Come on, we gotta get to Akinlana. Maybe if my brothers there, he can hook us up with some food!" He encouraged. Saeska blew a smile across her face and joined him as they started off.
"I get to meet your big brother!" She cheered.
"Yeah!"
"Better hope he's not more handsome then you, Mr. Nathari." She giggled, bumping his side as they ran.
"Ha, ha, ha. Your hilarious love." They laughed as they rushed off into the entrance to the valley.
Back at home, Kopa and Kovu were on high alert. The later events of last night kept them wary. As they walked out into the savannah of the Pride Lands they started to wander in the direction of the gorge. Walking along the trail aside it they began to talk.
"I'm positive Kopa, she came in last night so late, there was no excuse." Kovu insisted.
"Ysura is one of dad's most trusted hunters. Maybe she's off meeting with a mate?" Kopa suggested, trying to plead her case.
"Kopa! Simba wants us to check out every possible case, we can't leave any loose ends, even if it is Ysura." Kovu quickly argued.
"I know. Just, she was the first one we met when we came home. I'd hate to think she's selling us out to Ezeamaka."
"Let's just follow her around a little today. Make sure she's not up to anything peculiar." Kovu suggested. Kopa was reluctant, but agreed with his brothers decision.
"I think you got me beat in prowling bro, you can probably keep a better check on her during the day then I can." Kopa suggested.
"Yeah, no problem." Kovu answered with a cocky little smile. Kopa laughed and shook his head. "Alright, I got the dayside. You watch her at night."
"Watch the cubs for me?" They both asked in unison. Laughing they turned away from each other and smiled.
"Yeah, I got them during the day, you watch the little ones with Keyah at night." Kopa agreed coming down from his laughter.
"No problem."
"Ysura will be out any moment now." Kopa reminded him, looking back to pride rock.
"I know, but I'm not worried about when she's hunting so much. Still, I'll keep my eyes on her."
"Got it."
"Heya big fella how's it hangin?" Timon questioned, flopping into Amri's paws.
"Longer then you." He cracked with a smile. Timon gave a quick laugh and rebounded to his feet.
"So! I hear this Ezeamaka guys got it real bad for ya?"
"Yes, seems intent on spilling my blood." Amri sighed.
"What a mook. The kid doesn't know the first thing about ya and he wants to dice ya into a giant furry salad." Timon joked, pacing before Amri.
"There seems to be little reasoning with him."
"Reasoning?" Timon asked, startled at the word. "Reasoning?!" He bounded into Amri's face. "He's your kid! Spank the little grub if he's acting up!"
"Uhh Mr. Amri, I think what Timon means is maybe you should talk to him." Pumbaa chimed in, joining the conversation.
"And maybe take him out to play catch or somethin, yeech! You two got father and son issues." Amri rubbed his eyes and sighed.
"Fella's, it's not that simple."
"Every son wants a chance to meet there father. Even someone as mean as that guy." Pumbaa insisted.
"I've considered speaking with him myself, but any attempt to do that alone could mean the end of my life." Amri protested. "There's no guarantee either that he'll be satisfied with my head, he may yet turn on Simba, knowing the Pride Lands are more vulnerable with my loss." Timon heaved a deep breath and leapt onto Pumbaas back.
"Come on old buddy, there's grubs awaitin!" He commanded, tugging on Pumbaas ears.
"Amri?" Pumbaa asked shyly. Amri didn't answer, he simply met his gaze. "You once told us Asani was a raging lion and you helped him. Maybe you can do it one last time?" Amri smiled at him and nodded.
"I'll consider it Pumbaa, thank you." Pumbaa beamed back a smile of his own and carried off outside with his friend. Aurok rushed over alongside his sister and sat down nearby.
"Greatfather?" They asked shyly.
"Hmm? Greatfather?" He questioned, smiling at the cub. The name took him aside, as the cubs barely spoke to him as it was.
"Yeah, is there anything we can do to help?!" Aurok asked, bouncing around his sister.
"Even if it's just little things. I'm sure we can help." Stara joined in.
"There is one thing, just keep your eyes open little ones. Let me know if anything, peculiar is going on with the lionesses." He whispered, leaning down to the two.
"Oh.. wait, why the lionesses?" Aurok wondered.
"You have your orders young ones, are you up for helping your father and I?"
"Got it greatfather!" Aurok saluted with a goofy little smile.
"Greatfather? There's a fight coming, isn't there?" Stara asked as her ears fell back.
"Perhaps child, but nothing is certain yet. We must be patient, and vigilant. We should be ready for just about anything if we keep our heads grounded, and our ears wide open." He insisted.
"Rally the boys!" Ezeamaka ordered to Ghavrah who was resting on his side.
"What's the reason this time?" He asked, his voice straining as he made it to his feet. Ezea just casually smiled and looked out into the Pride Lands.
"It's lunch time, don't you wanna eat, old friend?" He questioned with a sly little smirk.
"I'd rather discuss your tactic on retrieving Amri, when the Pride Landers betray you." He answered just as casually, watching Ezea pass by him.
"Ha." He scoffed. "They don't have the balls to betray their own agreement." Ghavrah moaned and hustled over to Ezea's side.
"Damn you boy, how many times must I tell you to prepare for every possible outcome?"
"Alright alright, let's go chit chat old fuck. Yo! Cousin, get your lazy ass over here." Ezea called out to Endail. Endail laughed and shook off the comment rushing over to Ezea's side.
"What’s up cuz?"
"Get the boys out there to hunt; we need some food in us." Ezeamaka instructed.
"Mmm, yeah I could eat. Whatcha want?" Ezea shook his head, mockingly slapping Endail upside his head.
"I'm not some picky prick like you; just get your ass out there." He laughed. Endail laughed, taking a shot at Ezea's shoulder.
"Got it, zebra dick it is. Make sure you don't stroke it this time." He joked. Ezeamaka laughed and gestured towards the Pride Lands.
"Get the fuck out of here." Ezea laughed once more, watching his cousin rush off with a smile. Ghavrah began to rub at his eyes in disapproval.
"Ugh, the two of you display stupidity enough to dumb your entire pride." He whined.
"Yeah whatever, comon old fart. Lets chit chat in some shade, fuck this scorching sun." As the two took to the tree to rest, it was clear Ghavrah was quite deep in thought. It caught Ezea's attention right away, and his demeanor quickly changed to a more serious tone. "Alright, what do you have brewing?"
"What makes you think I've planned for this?" Ghavrah questioned.
"Don't bull shit me, I know you got this all laid out in your head. I want to know so we don't have any more fuck ups like Rohaj."
"Think for a moment boy, on what you are asking of the Pridelanders. They name him a lord, his child sleeps with a prince-"
"Nathari's not a fucking prince!" Ezea quickly cut off. "I don't care who fucking adopted his sorry ass, he hasn’t got one ounce of royal blood."
"Settle down!" Ghavrah barked. "Regardless! Kopa's son, adopted or not sleeps with Amri's daughter, your sister. They will never relinquish him."
"So negotiations fail, easy. We start hammering down there hunters, drive off their prey into more friendly locations for us and boom, their numbers thin out and we butcher."
"But to slaughter an entire kingdom boy, this is a large and dangerous step. The Fangclash already question Nariku's strength as ruler. If they discover that the bloodline of Akinlana has wiped out the Pride Lands. They may see the High Reach as a more, serious threat."
"Teaus is a damn pussy. He doesn't have it in him to lead a charge against the High Reach." Ezea countered.
"We are straying from our topic. Look, it's simple. Bait your father out. Draw him somewhere, remote and we can lay in an ambush for him." Ghavrah suggested with a devious smile.
"I like it." Ezea nodded. "Can play the old fucks heart strings a little."
"Yes, precisely. Maneuver him to say, the outlands. Its territory is not fully under the Pride Lands control." He carried on.
"Yeah, I like it. Keep the boys hidden away in one of those stalagmite looking dens. Take him down; wipe him out before Simba's buddies can respond."
"Yes, now you see." Ghavrah smiled, fawning over the idea himself. "But, and this is important, Ezeamaka, prince of the High Reach."
"What's that?" He questioned eagerly.
"Should this plan fail, we will have to resort to some of my more, harsh routines." Ghavrah demanded.
"Hmm, perhaps." Ezeamaka nodded. Ghavrah immediately shook his head in protest.
"No perhaps about it!"
"Fine, fine." He agreed. "But spare my sister."
"What?!" He cried out in confusion. "The spawnling of your coward father, and whore that licks his ass?"
"Hey!" He retorted angrily. "I will make her follow me, or break her! That's my condition."
"Your stubbornness is a frustrating burden boy." He complained, shaking his head as he looked off.
"If I'm acting like I stubborn old prick, it might have something to do with the company I keep." Ezea countered rising to his feet. "It'll take a little time; Simba is not fond of our intrusion into his kingdom. We'll have to play nice to convince Amri I want to talk."
"Agreed." Ghavrah nodded. Ezeamaka smiled as he started to walk away.
"In the mean time, why don't you try to relax old timer. Fart out some dirt, smooth some wrinkles, pretty up those scars, you know, something productive." He joked.
"You're not amusing boy, bite you lip thinking you can toss insults like that about me."
"Whatever." Ezeamaka dismissed, as he walked on to meet the others coming from the Pride Lands.
Kopa began to haunt Ysura’s footsteps as the evening fell on the kingdom. Leaving his cubs in Kovu’s watch he followed Ysura from Pride Rock out into the southern savannah. Watching her inch closer and closer to the kingdoms edge he grew worried that his fears may turn out to be true, she paced the southern border gazing out into the grasslands beyond. It seemed she was waiting, or searching for someone. Kopa watched the horizon just as vigilantly as he observed her. Hanging her head she began to move east, traveling a good ten minutes before halting at another location. The area was somewhat enclosed by trees and rocks that littered the area. Ysura flopped to her backside and huffed, pawing at the ground impatiently.
“He better not have stood me up.” She mumbled to herself. Hearing a twig snap, she darted her eyes to the southern horizon. She sighed, finding nothing there that had disturbed the grasslands. A strange scent however caught her nose and she swung around. Gasping she saw Ezeamaka behind her, standing over her with a smile plastered on his face. “You jerk!” She cried out. “Don’t scare me like that.” She whined leaning into his chest. Ezea half-heartedly wrapped a paw around her and chuckled aloud.
“Now where’s the fun in that?” He questioned, patting her a moment. “Were you followed?”
“Course not. No one knows about us, handsome.” She cooed, patting his cheek with a smile.
“Well good. I’d hate to have to kill such a nice little twat like yours.”
“Oh stop it.” She giggled. “Your bad-boy shit won’t work on me, remember?” Ezeamaka smiled, grasping her firmly he threw her up against a tree and pressed himself close.
“Is that right? Even if I just take what I want from your little cunt.” He laughed under his breath. Ysura quickly slapped his face, spinning his head to the side he moaned a little in surprise before returning to her face. “Naughty little bitch.” He laughed a little louder. She slapped him again with a smile.
“Now I told you to stop that shit.” She scolded, waving a finger in his face.
“Why would I do that?” He asked. “All you need to do is your job, make me cum and carry my little cubs.”
“Ugh. Such a horrid spin you put on it.” She sighed, freeing herself from his grasp. “You’ve changed quite a bit since our last little encounter, handsome.”
“How’s that?”
“You’re a prick; let’s just put it that way.” Ysura laughed, turning back to him.
“Isn’t that the best part of me?” He wondered, turning her around he tried to press her rump to the ground.
“No.” She argued, swinging around and meeting his face. Reaching up for his cheek, she gazed deep into his eyes, smiling she gently stroked along it, down his mane and shoulder. “There’s something amazing in you. Just like your-“
“Shut up.” He cut off abruptly.
“Why are you so angry at Amri, Ezea?” She cut just as quickly.
“I’ve told you fucking people already.” He fumed, turning away. Ysura leaped in front and cut him off.
“Don’t do that! I’m not just some Pride Lander! Aren’t I something more to you than that?!” She pleaded.
“No, you’re just my cum catcher. Thought I made that clear last time?” He answered sternly.
“Oh stop it! Stop with this bullshit! When you came through here a year ago you were the sweetest boy I had ever met. You were willing to throw your life on the line to save me from the outlanders. Where’s that Ezeamaka?!” She cried, lowering her head.
“He was a fucking coward!”
“Coward!” She said in sync. “You know that sounds a lot like what you call your father lately. He’s a good lion, just like his son. Why can’t you-“ She tried to explain, Ezeamaka threw a softer strike across her face.
“Don’t you ever, compare me to that fucking coward again!” He scolded. She kept her head to the side he threw it, breathing loudly, slowly, she gradually faced him once more. He stared hard and angrily at her, infuriated by her comments. She was just too disappointed, to frustrated to say anything more on the subject, she knew it would fall on deaf ears. Reaching up, he flinched a little, expecting another slap from her. Instead she rest her paw on his cheek, patting him down to his muzzle.
“Will you do me one last favor then?” She asked, pausing a moment. “When that sweet boy comes back. You send him my way; he’s got a heart here that needs mending.” Ezea swatted her paw away, scoffing.
“You’re just lucky your such an easy lay or I’d fucking take your neck here.” He spat.
“Yeah well.” She hid her face. “Guess we all make mistakes huh?” turning around she began to stammer, choking back her tears. “You should go, get out of here. I don’t want to see you anymore.”
“Bitch, please.” He mocked, shaking his head. “You weren’t anything special. I fuck dozens of girls back home, tighter, healthier and hotter than your wretched ass.” He fired as he turned back towards the south. Ysura was crying much more audibly, rushing off towards home, she barely paid attention to where she was going. Kopa watched cautiously as Ezeamaka made for the refuge of the southern border before beginning to follow Ysura once more. He started to catch up to her, keeping pace as she fumbled through the thick grass. As they came to the river, he darted ahead and cut off her crossing.
“What were you doing talking with him?!” Kopa immediately demanded. Ysura rose her head in anger, tears still pouring from her eyes.
“You were spying on me?!” She cried out.
“Answer me, or you won’t make it back to pride rock.” He threatened. She stomped the ground and growled in fury.
“Kopa, fuck off!! I’m in no mood for this!” She screamed, leaping for the river. She fell just shy, dumping her backside in before crawling up the shore. Kopa made the jump with ease and once again cut her off. “Kopa!!” She screamed once more.
“Ysura, if you’re giving him information, I can’t let you come home. And if you try to run from me.” He lowered his body to the ground, ready to pounce. “I’ll have to put you down.”
“Damn it Kopa, I’m not giving him information. I knew him, before all this I knew him!” She protested, finally submitting to his demands.
“How did you know him?” Kopa questioned.
“He came though, not long before Kiara’s rescue from the fire. The outsiders had me cornered; they had been sneaking into our lands to feed Kovu fresh meat. When they caught me I was out numbered three to one but Ezea rescued me. He came screaming in and took them all down.” She retold him.
“You must have the two confused; this can’t be the same Ezeamaka.”
“Apparently not anymore!” She cried out, still choking back a few tears. Kopa was reluctant to comfort her, he was still unsure if she was telling him the truth or not. There was a leak to be sure, and she still stood as the most prominent suspect. “He’s changed. He’s so cold now. I don’t understand. When he mated me, he was so giving, so passionate. But when I saw him this time, it was so very shallow, and heartless. Like all he wanted to do was get off and send me on my way.”
“I’m not interested in your love story with him. What have you told him about us?” Kopa interrogated, resuming his firm tone.
“Nothing Kopa! He barely asked about Amri, I playfully ignored it and let him have his way last time.”
“What did he ask you?”
“Just, where he was in Pride Rock. I told him he lingers here and there; he tries not to settle in any one spot.” She explained, finally calming down.
“Did he ask about Scar? About Zira or about where we hunt and when? Did he ask about our cubs?” Kopa bombarded, but Ysura kept shaking her head as he carried on.
“I’m not telling him anything Kopa! I’ve defended this home longer then you’ve been alive! I’m disgusted you would think I’d betray that trust.” She fired back angrily.
“Someone is Ysura. Someone is giving him information to use against us.”
“Then bark up another tree, and leave me alone!” She scolded, bolting off ahead of him toward home. Kopa hung his head, feeling a little bit ashamed for accusing her, but he knew it was what he had to do. He slowly began home as well, lost in thought as he gazed at the ground. Without Ysura, the list of suspects grows slim; Kovu would have to try observing the pride once more in the day.
“Kovu, it’s all on you now.” He whispered to himself, walking up the ramp leading back home to Pride Rock.
The wind rushed loud in their ears as Nathari and Saeska raced through the verdant and rocky valley. A small streamed lined the middle of their trail, keeping to the left of it they kept their pace, aiming for the great divide that stood far ahead of them. Their feet grew sore; the rockier terrain was harder to manage then the grass and sands they had passed. Nathari could feel his hind paw scraped open a little from one of his less graceful steps. Saeska could feel the burn grow deep within her shoulders and legs, rushing alongside Nathari with her tongue flopped out.
"Mr..Nathari." She gasped between breaths.
"Yeah?" He eagerly replied, hoping she would be the first to submit to a stop.
"I need... A drink. " She answered, slowing herself as she angled off toward the water. Though the stream was shallow, it spanned a few feet across. Nothing that couldn't be leapt. Saeska and Nathari gorged their tongues in the icy cold water. The shock of it surprised them, slowly their ability became difficult as their tongues grew numb quite rapidly. "So cold." She mumbled between gulps.
"Yeah, we're getting close now. Notice it's been almost all uphill?" He replied, gesturing up toward the mountains ahead.
"Yeah, kind of annoying." She said with a giggle.
"That's cause the High Reach rests near the foot of the mountains. The icy water flows right from the top to the rivers and streams here."
"Oh? That white stuff?"
"Yeah, see?" He pointed toward the top. "It's called snow. My brother took me up during the wet season I was here." He recalled, shaking his head with a smile. "Mom was so mad."
"Mm? I thought your mom cut you loose, Mr. Nathari." She casually threw in, starting to pace around him. Nathari took a quick peek at his hind paw, seeing a little bit of blood.
"Yeah when I was one, my first wet season I was eleven months or so I think."
"Oh, so just before huh?"
"Yep."
"Think we'll see your momma there?" She questioned still.
"Probably, I doubt she would have left." He answered still quite casually, letting his foot down.
"That foot isn't gonna slow you down is it?" She asked with a little more concern. Nathari smiled and shrugged.
"Nah, not a chance. Stings a little when I slip on the mud but, whatever." With a swish of the stray hairs in his face he started to walk ahead.
"Oh boy, so full of himself." Saeska giggled, bounding over to him.
"You love it." He chuckled back.
"Maybe." Saeska retorted, picking her pace back up to the speed they held before.
"Maybe?" Nathari asked. Saeska laughed once more and glanced to him with a smile.
"Put up or shut up handsome. Beat me out of this valley if you think you're so good, hot stuff!" She challenged, bearing her teeth in a smile.
"Oh ho you bet against the wrong lion lover!" He hollered rushing off ahead of her.
"Ha ha, now we're talking!" She exclaimed bolting as well. The divide was straight ahead, the path was still an ascending road and she knew Nathari had an edge climbing up the hills. Still, as he turned to the left, revealing the tighter winding path ahead, she did her best to keep pace. The walls to the right seemed to rise up for hundreds of feet, while to the left the tops were only a few dozen at most. Rocks protruded from the walls, casting shadows along the face of the cliffs. The water was behind them, dry cracked earth ran the center of the ground perhaps where the stream once ran as either side seemed littered with tall grass, strange weeds and wildflowers. Their breath was running short, the run was over an hour into the turn, and the walls seemed to close in tighter and tighter.
The basin that once spanned fairly far across was only twenty feet at the most and wound back and forth quite frequently. Nathari took a quick leap, catching on what seemed like the lip of a dried waterfall. He took a few steps ahead and looked back to make sure Saeska would make it alright. She easily made the leap and nearly toppled him in the process. He laughed and tried his best to retake the lead he had held so far. At last the path was giving some way; the softer grass on either side was welcome on their feet. It lasted a good mile or so before the road choked on them, a route that took them under the pillar of a rather enormous rock. Though the light at the other end was plainly visible, it was quite a dark and murky run through. Saeska lost her footing and slide onto her side, Nathari being the good lover immediately stopped.
"You ok?" He called back. She carefully got to her feet, feeling her paw nearly slip out again in the process.
"Jeez!! How does it get so slick?" She called to him.
"The water, and it's all smooth rock in here. There's an underground pool way down there in the dark." Saeska looked off to the inky black and shivered.
"Ugh, I'm not going in there. I can feel the cold from here."
"Yeah, sides last time I went down a dark path, things didn't go so swell." He laughed. Saeska rejoined his side and took to the exit together. A quick right bend brought them to what seemed like the end of the valley. The walls to either side were shorter and shorter as the road ascended to the top. Nathari rushed ahead and made it to the exit. Gazing down he smiled and looked back to Saeska, giving her a quick gesture to follow. "Come on lover, you gotta see this." She took to his side at the top and smiled at the view ahead. "Welcome to Sana hills." He proclaimed. "The foothills of The High Reach."
"Cool!" She exclaimed. The land ahead was littered with trees, high and slim standing with leaves that appeared in stranger shapes then she was used to. The mountains were in plain sight to the right, as the hills seemed to decorate the land as waves on an ocean, obscuring the sky to the south. A wide opening rest in plain sight to the east of them, a large gap of grassland that stood out of place from the rest of the area. They took their time, walking into the near forest like area ahead.
"Careful now. Sana hills is mostly friendly with the High Reach, but there are Hyena's here, none quite like the ones I knew anyway."
"Oh ok." She agreed, keeping close to him. "I can hold my own against Hyena's anyway. It's these warriors you and daddy go on with I'm a little worried about."
"If we see any, I doubt they'll be hostile towards us." He laughed, shaking off the comment.
"Oh really Mr. Nathari? Just like that creepy old one, and Ezeasucka?" She mocked. Nathari laughed even harder at her joke.
"Nice, but no. The warriors almost never watch the valley. Still, we should rest up. The suns nearly down, and we've been booking it all day." He replied with a yawn.
"But Nathari! We're soo close!" She protested, nudging his side.
"No we're not." He replied quickly. "Still a good three hours at least. It'll be the dead of night then, and I don't feel like taking a chance in the deeper grasslands with the Panthers."
"Panthers?"
"Yeah? Remember back in the jungle? When we met that one that attacked you?"
"Ohhhh.. Is this where they come from?"
"No, not all of them, a few probably but not all."
"But love, aren't we vulnerable out here?" She questioned intently. Nathari shook his head with yet another yawn and pointed out to the grassland opening.
"See there? Marks the edge of the known border for them. The grasslands of Sana hills belong to the free roaming lion prides, and most of the time panthers won't mess with them. Once we cut inside, and follow along the hills and stay right. We'll see the falls where your uncle Jelani is buried. From there we are in High Reach Basin, and can just head up to the hall."
“Alright.” She submitted with a yawn. “We bounce over the hills tomorrow.”
“Before sunrise, that’s why I want to get to sleep so soon here. Early morning we should catch the huntresses out. Maybe get some breakfast when we arrive there.” Nathari reminded her, heading off toward the shade of a nearby tree. Saeska followed along and settled herself next to Nathari, letting his paw drape over her back as she cuddled in close to his body. “Don’t want the Keyah position?” He asked with a smirk.
“Nope.” She beamed. “I like knowing you got my back.”
“Good night love.” He whispered, kissing her neck.
“Good night Mr. Nathari.” She said with a giggle, kissing his paw. Letting a sigh escape, she felt her eyes growing heavy as she looked up toward the red tinted sky. She thought of her father and mother back home, hoping everything was alright and that Amri was safe. “Good night mommy, good night daddy.” She whispered before submitting to the exhaustion of the day.
Amri had wondered over to Scars old home during the late evening. Alone he sat on the ledge, watching the night roll overhead. He found comfort in the time alone, so much had been going on lately that his mind was troubled. He felt compelled to talk to Ezeamaka, but at the same time knew the danger in it for the warning his nephew gave him. He reflected on the first fight, the blows they traded, how suddenly intense then calm there fight was, as if even then there was some form of control to him. The words rung through his head as well. “I want a piece of you, just you.” It was strange to him he didn’t realize something was off then. The same eyes, the long mane and big paws. Thought he colors differed, he felt some resemblance to him at the time, but not enough to really think deeply on it. He looked down for a moment, losing himself to thought it seemed for a good few moments.
“Your stealth is terrible, I heard you step on the base of the rock not twenty seconds ago.” He said aloud to the dark below.
“If you knew I was coming, then why didn’t you run?” Ezea asked, creeping his way over to his father. Reaching his side he stared down at him with a condescending smile.
“Because I do not fear you boy.” Amri briefly explained, still not giving his face to Ezea.
“I can fix that real quick if you want.” He chuckled, raising his paw with claws extended.
“If you came here to fight you would have done it with less subtlety.” Amri quickly countered looking to him. Ezeamaka smiled once more, lowering his paw to the ground. Amri looked his face over more thoroughly. His dark brown mane seem to conceal the left half of his face more so then the right. The same blue eyes as his. His golden coat looked well groomed for the most part, a dark brown coloration ran down his tail. His paws were large, but just a touch shy of his father’s size.
“Like what you see?” He questioned, noticing Amri looking over his body.
“I see so much of your mother in you.” He sighed, returning his attention to his face. “Tell me, son.” He stammered a little at the word. “What is to become of me in your custody, hmm?”
“Like you have to ask you fucking coward.” He quipped turning away from Amri.
“Hey!” He snapped back. “Watch your mouth boy.” Ezeamaka laughed a little, looking down on him once more.
“You think I give a shit what you say? It’s a little late for a lesson on manners, old fuck.” Amri took a quick snap across Ezea’s paw and scolded him.
“If you’re going to speak like that, go home. I’ve become fed up with the language boy; I tolerate Asani’s only because he knows little better.” Amri quickly explained.
“Ah yes, my replacements. How did raising those three turn out for you?” He questioned with a sigh.
“Replacements, ha.” He scoffed. “I can’t replace what I didn’t know I had. Something you should know as well as I Ezea, is your mother had a knack for keeping secrets.”
“I don’t care about her.”
“Then what is it then? If you don’t care about me and you don’t care for your mothers fate then why all this. You find out all you can about those around me, rally fools and weaklings like Rohaj to do your bidding and to what? Kill me? Take revenge for my absence?” He interrogated harshly. Ezeamaka slowly turned toward him as he spoke, a scowl growing across his face.
“I don’t like loose ends. You wronged mother and I, I’m here to kill you for it so you can answer to her, simple as that.” He explained.
“Is that it then? Your mother suffered and you grew up without a father you never wanted. You’re a buffoon.” Amri scoffed once more, turning away from him.
“What did you say?” He growled.
“Oh, I’m sorry, you’re a bloody idiot.” Amri corrected. “You want justice for something that never concerned you and you expect me to believe this. No, I can tell my father gave you plenty of attention, your skill is good, savage and a little sloppy but good. And from what I’ve seen with your old friend you’ve never lacked a male figure in your life.”
“It’s just-“
“Justice?” Amri interrupted, glancing back to him. “Is that what you truly think?” Amri rose to his feet and began to walk by him.
“Walking out again, what a shock.” Ezeamaka barked as he passed by.
“I’m not leaving; you should probably cease jumping to conclusions so rapidly.” He corrected, walking down the ramp. “I’m growing tired of this place, let’s walk a while.” Ezeamaka joined him and started down the ramp. He took the lead heading west toward the outlands. It was a fair distance away, but as long as he kept the conversation going, he figured he’d lead him to the ambush with little effort.
Back at Pride Rock, Simba was pacing the den, anxiously awaiting Kovu and Amri’s return.
“You’re gonna make yourself dizzy doing that Simba.” Asani quipped watching him roam back and forth.
“I don’t care, I’m worried.” He quickly answered. Sierra shook her head with a smile and perked up.
“Something tells me those two can handle themselves just fine. After all Kovu was trained enough to kill you and Amri’s a beast.” She chuckled.
“Thanks for reminding me.” Simba answered with disdain.
“Sierra’s right Simba.” Vitani chipped in. “Just relax, you’re gonna wear the ground out before the nights over.”
“Dad?” Kopa questioned rising from the cubs. “Want me to?”
“No, it’s ok. Stay with the little ones.”
“Yeah!” Aurok cheered, “Stay with us dad.”
“Simba!” Kovu cried out as he rushed inside. Panting he met his arms and gave a quick hug.
“Kovu what is it?” He questioned eagerly.
“Outside, I’ve been tailed.” He exclaimed.
“Kopa, Asani, Ni let’s go! Vitani protect the others!” Simba ordered. Kovu joined as well as they rushed outside, taking to the ramp they scoured the nearby area.
“Calm yourself!” A deep voice beckoned as the figure slowly walked toward them. “No hostility, as you might recall, yes Simba?” Ghavrah reminded him, walking closer. The group huddled tight together, growling at the old lion.
“What do you want? Why we’re you following my son?” Simba demanded.
“Well I would not have had to travel so far in if he had just heeded when I called him the first time.” Ghavrah explained casually. “See, I have a tendency to finish missions I start Simba, and right now my stupid buffoon of a pupil is leading Amri to an ambush in the outlands.”
“What?!” They shouted in unison.
“Bull shit! You just want into Pride Rock.” Asani fired back.
“Shut up, Asani. I’m more interested in collecting Amri, and the reward I’m promised after.”
“Don’t you mean kill him?” Ni demanded.
“No, that’s Ezeamaka’s wish. And it’s about to come true. So sad, the boy will kill his own father before knowing him more than a day.” He informed them, cleaning his claws on his chest. “Oh well, such is life. Just thought you’d like to know. I’ll be off now.”
“Why would you tell us this?” Kopa questioned. Ghavrah shrugged and glanced back to them.
“For failing the mission I get to kill him, for succeeding I get to see Amri die. I always, come out on top boy.” He laughed, walking back towards the southern border.
“Kopa, take Ni, Asani and Kovu and go check on him. I’ll send Ysura with a small group to reinforce you after.” Simba ordered.
“No, don’t’ send Ysura dad.” Kopa protested.
“What?”
“Just, trust me.” He insisted.
“Fine, just get moving!” Simba reinforced.
“Ugh, shut up about it Amri.” Ezea moaned, as the two walked side by side toward the outlands. “I don’t care how you met her, it’s not gonna change my mind, your still dead meat when we get home.”
“Son, you and I both know if I am passed into your custody. I’m not making it back to the High Reach alive.” Amri sighed hanging his head.
“Whatever.” He brushed off.
“Whatever, my goodness, you two could have been twins. I wanted to smack Asani’s mouth every time he walked off saying whatever.” Amri quipped. Ezea rolled his eyes and nodded, keeping his pace just ahead of his fathers. “Son, do you know why I left that day?”
“Don’t care, but you’re going to tell me anyway.”
“Well, see that’s the thing boy. You, may or may not be mine.” Amri stated, trailing off a little toward the end.
“Akinlana said you were Serwa’s mate for life, nice try.” He dismissed.
“A pact she broke, when she laid with my brother.” Amri replied, halting a moment and planting himself on the ground. Ezeamaka actually took interest in the statement and stopped as well, staring at him in disbelief.
“Bull shit, mother was obsessed with you.” He argued.
“She loved me, that much was true. But when I really started to hone my training, we began to grow distant. She wanted cubs, but we mated sparsely.” Amri continued to explain, slowly hiding his face from Ezeamaka. “I came back to the den, having spent the morning with Nariku to find her lying beneath Jelani. She uh... tried to say that, since we were twins. It wouldn’t matter; it would be my cub regardless.” Shaking his head he started to feel the anger well up within him once again. “I loved my brother, and I loved my mate. And I saw, the way he fawned over her before we courted. He swore she would be mine, I offered her to him before we grew close, and still, he promised her to me. They both, betrayed me.” Ezeamaka swung his head off to the side, huffing. He refused to believe it, but he knew Amri wouldn’t stop until he explained.
“Go on then.”
“I challenged my brother. It was, not the other way around. We fought for hours; we bled, grew weak, and grew very careless. We stumbled near the edge of the river. Neither of us could grasp anything to hold on, to pull ourselves out of the current. We went over; I was a little ahead of him.” Amri paused a moment, feeling a tear creeping out his eye. “I smashed my shoulder hitting the ground beneath the water, but Jelani. When he didn’t surface I looked for him, I could see the blood streaming from his body. The rocks tore through him.”
“Yeah yeah, you pulled him to shore, had a little love in and then you buried him when he died right?” Ezea concluded.
“How do you know that?” Amri questioned. Ezeamaka sighed and explained.
“Nariku lead the investigation, they found the trail of blood leading to the river. They found the mound of dirt soaked in blood and sure enough, hey look it’s uncle Jelani.” Ezea mockingly explained. “Few weeks later, ol’mommy had me in her belly and out pops the son of the kingdoms cowardly prince. The one too weak to claim me so Serwa had to raise me, alone. If it wasn’t for Endail.”
“What did he do?” Amri eagerly asked.
“None of your business.” He retorted.
“I bore my story to you boy! The least you could do, is tell me-“
“No.” Ezeamaka interrupted. “You don’t get sweet fuck all, Amri. I’m not buying your little sob story; you had a few years to work on it I’m sure.”
“Why would I lie to you?” Amri pleaded.
“Cause I’m going to kill you, you dumbass! You’ll say anything to save your sorry hide.” Ezeamaka exclaimed, glaring him down. “Damn, it’s like you think I’m a complete fool.”
“Well I wasn’t going to follow you to the outlands.” Amri interjected with a clever smile.
“Wha?” He questioned in surprise.
“Coming before me as a friend, feigning interest in your old father. Come now boy, I’m not so foolish. It’s about the least cunning trap, perhaps conceived by Ghavrah.”
“How the fuck did you know? Did that stupid pigeon talk?”
“Pigeon, you mean Zazu? Oh he certainly will now.” Amri smiled. Ezeamaka growled, slamming the ground in anger, he knew he had made a critical mistake.
“GRR, fuck the trap I don’t need them to kill your ass!” He roared. Within seconds though, Kopa, Kovu, Asani and Ni were fast approaching.
“Not tonight Ezeamaka, sorry. Perhaps some other time.” Amri quipped, still smiling.
“Amri!!” Ni called out as the joined him, circling around Ezeamaka. “Amri it’s a trap!”
“Easy, Ni.” Amri insisted, gesturing for him to calm down. “Ezea?”
“Fuck you!” He barked.
“I never lied to you tonight boy. Not one word. If it’s truly my destiny to answer to Serwa for leaving. Then when the time comes, keep in mind, you will answer to all the others you have torn apart to get to me.”
“I’ll be back, Amri. Count on it!” Ezeamaka barked once more, as he rushed away from the scene.
“I’ll be here son.” He whispered.
The sun had just crested the horizon; Nathari and Saeska were already well underway through the hills toward The High Reach. The grassy clearing was behind them, as they entered into the primary game trail.
“Ahh.” Nathari sighed, taking a deep breath.
“Hmm?” Saeska wondered, exhausted from being up so early and running for so long already this morning.
“High Reach Basin, were here.” He smiled. “Come on; let’s go see if we can catch the huntresses.”
“K.” She moaned, her voice rasping a little. The two rushed across the plains, seeing the huge cliff to the right of them. It was a fair run away, but the waterfall and river were just ahead. They kept their pace minimal, mainly due to the soreness and welts on their paws that had formed. The trip was taking its toll on their bodies, though it seemed Nathari was doing a good job of ignoring the pain. Slowing he let Saeska catch up, he nodded ahead with a smile plastered on his face.
“Breakfast, oh yes precious life giving food!” He exclaimed. Seven or so lionesses were out, five hauling kills on their backs. It was a most welcome sight; however to the lionesses there intrusion was not. As Nathari approached the two girls free of a load broke away to meet them. Both looked angry, fangs barely concealed and claws ready. “Hey gir-“
“Get out!” The one lioness snapped. “You’re trespassing in The High Reach Basin, outsider. Beat it or we’ll have one of our warriors cut your throat!”
“Easy!” Nathari protested. “I’m no outsider, it’s me Nathari!”
“What?” She asked in confusion, looking to the other.
“I don’t know a Nathari.” She stated firmly.
“Me either.”
“Look, my mother is Rayyan. My eldest brother is Paro.” He quickly explained.
“Paro’s brother?” The one girl perked up. “Wait, no. His brothers dead.”
“Clearly I’m not.” He countered with a smile.
“Clearly you’re full of shit!” The other lioness snapped.
“Kyari, easy.” The other interrupted. “Look how bout this. I’ll send Paro down to meet you, then we’ll know for sure. Sound good?”
“Look girls.” Seaska perked up. “That’s all fine and dandy, but can we eat. We’ve been running for days, we can’t hunt anymore.”
“If you’re really with Paro, I’ll make sure you get something to eat ok?” She assured Saeska. Saeska gave her approval and let the girls go on their way. Nathari bounded eagerly while Saeska kept rubbing her eyes. Nathari returned his attention to her and with a quick pat of her cheek he looked into her eyes with worry.
“You ok love? You seem, really tired or weak.” He asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t really feel too good.” She replied, rubbing her paw over her head. Nathari gave her head a quick check then pressed his ear to her chest. Meeting her eyes again he started to panic.
“Oh no, you’re sick!” He cried, lining himself closer to her.
“Yeah, I think so.” She submitted, leaning her weight into him.
“Baby come on, get on my back.”
“No.” She protested a little as he tried to lower himself to the ground.
“Come on, get on. Just warn me if your gonna toss up ok?” He insisted, moving himself under her. She eventually gave in, draping a paw lazily over his back while he hoisted her up. “You’ll be ok baby, don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.” He encouraged, stroking her paw as it dangled on his side.
“Thank you love.” She moaned, seemingly half conscious on his back. Nathari started toward the first tunnel near the base that would take him up. He followed along the pool of the falls, glancing off to the shore on the other side. A mound was still visible protruding from the land. With a smile, he bounced her a little on his back, getting her attention he pointed over.
“There it is, your uncle Jelani’s grave.” Saeska smiled a little, stroking his side a moment.
“I’ll go visit my uncle when I feel a little better Mr.Nathari.” She said softly.
“Alright, let’s get up there.” He agreed, heading towards the caves. Just as he approached the entrance a large lion made his descent, forcing Nathari to back off a little. It took seconds for the smile to blow across his face at the sight of him; he could barely contain the excitement and keep Saeska on his back. “Paro!!!” Nathari cried out. The lion looked up in shock hearing his name called, getting a little closer he met Nathari’s face in awe.
“There’s no way!” He said aloud.
“Brother! I’m back!” Nathari shouted with joy.
“Oh just no way, brother it’s a miracle!” He cried out, wrapping an arm around Nathari’s neck he barely avoided hitting Saeska.
“My big brother! Your ok!”
“I’m ok!?” He exclaimed. “Jeez look at you! Where’d you get all this from?!” He asked, brushing through Nathari’s mane.
“I grew up.” He smiled.
“Yeah I see that. Who’s the girl on your back?” He wondered, gesturing to her.
“Oh right, this is my mate, Saeska. Brother we have to get her inside, she’s very sick and we need to talk to Akinlana.” Nathari pleaded.
“Whoa, hey young one, you alright up there?” He asked.
“I’ve felt better.” Saeska replied. “It’s nice to meet you though.”
“Nice to meet you to. Jeez Nath, you always get your mates sick like that? Might want to get yourself checked out, could be something you’re carrying.” He joked, patting his shoulder as he turned, leading them into the tunnel.
“Ha ha, your funny.”
“So Akinlana? What do you need to see him for?” Paro asked, leading the way up through the caves.
“Well, it’s about Ezeamaka.” Nathari started, trying to duck through the shallow roof without bumping Saeska. “See, he’s in the Pride Lands right now stirring up trouble.”
“The Pride Lands? The hell does he want with that place. Last I heard they had just finished up a war with some twisted bitch.” Paro commented.
“Yeah well, he found Amri.” Nathari answered.
“Oh no. He fucking didn’t.” Paro stopped, turning around to face him. “Is he dead?”
“What, Amri? No, Amri spanked him when they fought.” Nathari chuckled.
“Jeez, this is all kinds of fucked up brother. I mean, I knew Ezea was kinda losing it when he started dry humping Ghavrah for advice but, this?” Paro thought aloud, resuming his trip up. “Nath, this place has changed the last little while. Ezeamaka has been bringing in all these strange ass lions, he’s been sending out Tazu and Kazu to dig up everything on these fucking rogue lions no one’s ever heard of.”
“What rogues?” Nathari asked.
“I don’t know, can’t remember the names well. Think one was Ni, something like that? Maybe something else, the names sounded similar.”
“Asani and Ni?” Nathari pleaded.
“Yeah! Spot on bud, how’d you know?”
“Asani and Ni are my father’s, uhh I mean... Kopa’s friends” Nathari back peddled. Paro glanced back at him as they entered the upper plains of the High Reach.
“Your... Fathers? You found your dad?” He asked.
“Not exactly.” Nathari trailed off. “Kopa and Keyah, kind of, adopted me.”
“Oh.” Paro nodded, looking forward again. “So you got a new family now.”
“Paro, you’re still my brother.” Nathari argued.
“I fucking hope so.” Paro laughed a little at the statement. “Jeez, I was the one sticking my neck out for you when Rayyan cut you loose.”
“I know, don’t worry. I’ll never forget it. You know I love you brother.” Nathari pleaded once more.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. You’re a good kid Nathari, I’m glad someone else picked up on that too.” Paro smiled, patting Nathari’s head. They walked along the river, with the main den straight up ahead. The area was quite beautiful, Grasslands spanned far to the right, growing higher and higher as they fed into the base of the cliffs. It was maybe only a few miles across, but certainly wide enough for game and wild life to live on. Off to the left was grasslands that fed into a thick forest, filled with thinned trees that stood large and tall. The mountains that made up the background were high enough to conceal the sun during its set, but were set aglow in the morning sun. The cave itself stood fairly high, at least sixty feet or more with a large entrance at its base. The water of the river ran around it on either side, leaving a small green gap near the entrance before the flow converged once more into a single stream.
“So this is where daddy is from.” Saeska mumbled atop Nathari’s back.
“Yep, he was born here in this kingdom.” Nathari acknowledged.
“Huh? Who’s daddy?” Paro asked.
“Hers. She’s Amri’s daughter.” Nathari smiled. Paro shook his head with his eyes widened.
“Dude, you’re just a fucking wonder right now. Dropping all this news on me.” He laughed, shaking his head. Nathari started laughing as well.
“Surprised I’ve done so well?”
“From fucking dead, to mating a princes daughter, adopted into a family and living in the Pride Lands I assume, right?” He asked, still bewildered by his own statement.
“Yep.”
“Jeez, you lucky shit. Just a freakin year ago, people asking you to be proud of me. Here I am now, jealous of you.” He laughed even harder.
“Thanks brother.” He smiled, calming down from his laughing fit. “Good to know we’re both doing well.”
“I’m coming to the Pride Lands, and you’re hooking me up with a princess, you know that right?” He suggested. Nathari started laughing aloud, leaning into his brother. “Oh you think I’m joking. Just you wait and see my friend, your gonna have to sweet talk some hotties for me, you and your little golden coat.” He carried on, giving Nathari’s head another scratch.
“Paro!” A large lion called to him. Paro turned his attention and immediately bowed. Nathari recognized him as well and lowered his head briefly. “Easy son, now care to explain what you got here?” he asked fairly kindly.
“Yes prince Tasani. This is Nathari, my brother.”
“You’re brother died on mission with Ezeamaka, Paro. Perhaps these two have something else uh...” Tasani cut himself off, looking Saeska over a little more carefully. “Oh my, she doesn’t look so well.”
“Prince Tasani.” Nathari perked up. “Ezeamaka lied to us. We weren’t on a mission to expand our pride. He used us to track down Amri I think; when we found him we fought. That’s how kondo and Haidar died.”
“Huh. Alright, I’ll give you credit for that, you wouldn’t have known about them otherwise. So tell me, Nathari. What about Kamili and yourself, how did you come back and not him?”
“Ezeamaka killed him for failing to defeat one of Amri’s pride. He... he tried to kill me after as well.” Nathari sighed.
“What?!” Paro exclaimed.
“Tasani?” Saeska moaned.
“Hmm? Girl? You’ve something to add to this?” He asked eagerly.
“Uncle Tasani. He’s telling the truth, he cut Nathari’s back really really bad. Kopa and Keyah saved his life, and took him in as their own.” She explained.
“I see. But girl, uncle?” He inquired.
“She’s Amri’s daughter sir.” Paro quickly explained. Tasani’s eyes went wide with excitement, cracking a smile as well as he looked her over.
“I’ll be damned. Amri, you little bugger your still alive and kickin aren’t you.”
“Sir, they need to see Akinlana.” Paro threw in once more.
“My father? What matter of urgency do they have?”
“Please sir.” Nathari pleaded. “I’ll speak with Master Akinlana, but Saeska, she needs help.”
“Oh of course, forgive my rudeness my girl, I sincerely apologize. Take her inside to Varika, she may have something to help her cope with her illness. Nathari, head within and speak with Nariku. Tell him you’ve my blessing to speak with Akinlana. Those marks, I assume mean you’re sent on something urgent?” He asked pointing to Saeska’s shoulder.
“Yes, it’s king Simba’s mark.” Nathari answered.
“Ahh, the Pride Lands. Alright, go.” He insisted. Nathari rushed off ahead and took to the inside of the den immediately. He smiled as he looked over the room; a few lionesses lay about with a few kills littering the room. It seemed Nariku was still eating alongside his mate.
“King Nariku, forgive my intrusion!” Nathari called aloud. Nariku raised his head from his meal and looked to him with concern.
“Boy, who are you?” He asked.
“Sir, I’m Nathari, Paro’s younger brother. But where’s Varika, my mate is sick and needs her help.” Nathari quickly explained.
“Uh, well Varika is within, set with my father.” Nariku replied.
“Please sire, may I see him. It’s extremely urgent.” Nathari insisted showing his shoulder. Nariku got up and moved in a little closer, giving Nathari’s arm a look over.
“You’re marked. This a kings mark boy?” Nariku questioned.
“It’s Simba’s, of the Pride Lands.”
“Oh? Something of urgency there?”
“Ezeamaka is attacking the kingdom.” Nathari replied. Nariku’s face seemed to melt, the frown grew thick as he sighed and lowered his head.
“Ezeamaka...” He trailed off. “Boy, this is a step too far.” He mumbled to himself.
“Sir?”
“Nathari, is it? Listen, father has grown weak. Age is taking its toll on him greatly. Father has recently, lost his eyes.” Nariku explained.
“Oh no. Master...” Nathari hung his head.
“Whatever concerns you have, you should address them with me.” Nariku insisted.
“Sire, please. I must still speak with him; it’s his wisdom that Simba is requesting.”
“Boy, this is my offer. To speak with me or to turn around and go home. Make your choice.” Nariku pressed on.
“Sire please! You must-“
“Nariku!” A voice called from deep within the den. An old lion emerged, guided by a female baboon as he entered the room cautiously. “Boy, if a king requests my ear he shall have it.”
“Father, I only meant to shoulder this burden for you.”
“You’re heart is in the right place, but your words are not. Nathari, come.” Akinlana demanded softly. Nathari immediately obliged, walking passed the lionesses with Saeska still on his back. Varika guided Akinlana back into the large room that was hidden behind the main chamber. Lit from a crack in the roof, a large grass bed was made for him to rest on. Nathari could see the age on him. His arms seemed to sag a little, he shook as Varika lowered him down to the grass bed. His mane was almost completely greyed, and much of his muscle had seemed to fade.
“Easy my lord. Boy, is something wrong with this girl on your back?” She questioned.
“Yes, she’s sick.” Nathari replied.
“Keep her near you, away from the master. I do not want him to grow ill.” Varika insisted.
“A girl is here. I must apologize my lady, could I have your name?” He politely asked.
“Saeska.” She replied, her voice rasping again. “I’m. I’m Amri’s daughter.” Akinlana rose his head a little with a smile.
“Amri. My son found a kindred spirit after all. I’m blessed to have you here child, though I wish I could see your face.” He softly greeted. “How is your father?”
“Terrible. Ezeamaka’s going to kill my daddy.” She cried, pawing at the ground.
“Easy child, easy.” Varika tried to calm her down, getting a hold of her arms.
“Daddy.” She moaned.
“Saeska what’s wrong?” Nathari asked, grabbing hold of her.
“Her fever is intensifying. I have something for this, keep her steady.” She instructed, as she rushed off to another den. Akinlana quickly got up and settled near her side. Nathari was surprised how quickly he did so. Reaching down he took hold of her neck and hushed.
“Shh, my girl. You’ll be alright. Sleep for a moment.” Pressing on her neck, she slowly passed out, falling limp in Nathari’s arms.
“Is she ok?” He asked urgently.
“I do not envy the headache she will have when she wakes. But flailing around will only weaken her further. We will take good care of her, do not worry.” Akinlana insisted, resting once more in the grass. “Now, Nathari. Speak with me for a while. What has become of my son and grandson.” Nathari lowered his head a little, gazing at Saeska's slumbering body. He gently rolled his paw up and down her body a moment before finally answering.
"Master, it started out like this."
Ghavrah had assembled the others while Endail and Ezeamaka were talking by the tree. It caught his attention, and rushed over to find him barking orders to the others.
"Boys, remember. Attack there hunters. Go for the kill if you have to. Cripple the Pride Landers food supply and drive out there king! With him dead we will force there surrender of Amri, then take his head!" Ghavrah cheered.
"What the fuck are you doing!?" Ezeamaka demanded. Ghavrah smiled, not even turning to him to reply.
"Your plan was a bust and now Amri knows of our informant. We must hasten his removal or else we risk our boy’s necks in staying here too long." Ezeamaka grunted in disapproval. "Oh? Something wrong boy? You want us to save your father as well?" He questioned in his condescending tone.
"No, just get him to me alive. Fuck the Pride Landers. There all yours." He agreed, turning to a shocked Endail.
"Cousin what are you doing?!" He pleaded quietly to Ezeamaka. "Getting your father is one thing, but you’re about to go to war with the Pride Lands."
"They should have thought of that when they offered that fuck shelter in the first place. Ghavrah!" Ezeamaka shouted again turning to him.
"Yes your majesty." He bowed.
"Capture my sister first, bring her here and we can use him as bait to draw Amri out faster. Kill anyone who gets in the way." He ordered.
"Outstanding." Ghavrah smiled. "You heard your prince boys. Attack!" The five lions broke away and charged into the Pride Lands. "See my boy, if you just let me do the wet work you have nothing to worry about. The first step to becoming a true king." Ezeamaka nodded and growled a little, walking away with Endail at his side.
"Cousin, come on. This isn't you. Please don't murder innocent lionesses just to get-" Endail pleaded before Ezeamaka smacked his mouth shut. He turned away in pain, nearly falling to the ground.
"Shut, the fuck, up. If you can't stomach the job, go home!" He barked, walking passed him. Ghavrah followed behind and bumped Endail over as he passed by. Wiping at his lip, he saw the smear of blood and sighed.
"Cousin, please come to your senses." He whispered, picking himself up. He looked on toward the Pride Lands, watching the other five race on. The turmoil began to brew within his head. He knew his cousin was doing something far beyond normal, and very dangerous. He slammed his eyes tight, feeling a tear start to creep out. "Ezea.. I love you cousin. Please forgive me." He whispered to himself once more. Hastily he made his way in, darting off toward Pride Rock in the distance. He ran hard. Bringing the river up ahead closer and closer. The others had moved off to the east where the game had been moved to not long ago. Leaping the river he found his way closer and closer to Pride Rock. Two lionesses spotted him moving quickly towards it and rushed ahead to cut him off.
"Stop!" one called out.
"Get him!" The other echoed after, running to intercept him.
"Sorry girls!" Endail cried out as they rushed to him. Leaping the first he caught the second girl and took her to the ground. The other leapt for him and Endail rolled onto his back and caught her. Tossing her over him, she hit the ground long enough for him to bolt up and pass them. As he found his way to Pride Rock, he bolted up the ramp, passing a few stupefied lionesses in the process and hollered inside. "Amri!!" He cried out at the top of his lungs.
"What on earth!" Amri replied, leaping to his feet. Asani and Ni tried to cut ahead of him but Amri pushed them aside. "Endail? What is this, what's going on?!"
"Amri. Ghavrah's taken command, he's ordering an attack on the lionesses out hunting. They'll be there any second!"
"No." Amri stammered.
"Which group?" Asani asked urgently.
"They headed east." Endail replied.
"Oh fuck no! Those guys are dead! They're fucking dead!!" Asani cried out, blowing passed them.
"Vitani and Sierra are out hunting there right now." Amri quickly explained. "Ni, Kopa, Simba come on. Girls all of you, let's go! You three, stay with the cubs. Kinu, Keyah, take us to the grounds. Let's go!" The whole den came alive. Hakima, Kinu, Keyah, Nala, Kiara, they all took the field and raced out. Endail and Amri trailed behind Kinu and Kiara as they guided the way toward the game trails.
Vitani, Sierra and two others were surrounded. The five males circled around, waiting for a chance to attack. Theron stepped forward with a smirk on his face, aiming straight toward Vitani.
"Tell you what girls. You lie down and let us have our way, we won't hurt you." He suggested, two of the other males laughed audibly behind him. Vitani glanced to Sierra who returned the look just as unimpressed. Cracking a smile though she stepped forward to meet him.
"Oh is that all." She answered in a soft, soothing tone. "You big boys just want to play with us, is that it?" She asked, teasing Theron with her tail as she circled around him.
"That's right beautiful. Just a little fun and games. You show us a good time, I show you a good time. Everyone walks away happy. What do you say sweet thing." Theron suggested soaking in her scent, entranced by her tail teasing across his nose.
"Mm, I'd like that. Bet a big buff handsome lion like yourself could go for hours couldn't you." She flirted shamelessly.
"Oh you know it, sweet slit." He smiled back. Reaching for his head, she pawed his ear and stroked down his cheek.
"You know, I know a great way to please a male." He carried on, stroking down to his chin. "Knocks them right off their feet." She giggled; with a snap she threw a hard shot to his chin. The impact threw him onto his hind legs; falling backwards he slammed the ground, unconscious. "Told you." She smiled. The males started to close in as Vitani looked them over, raising her paw with claws extended. "Four on four now, which of you boys wants to play next?" The males closed in and started to fight with them. Vitani held her own while Sierra worked hard to keep the male attacking her under control.
"Stupid fucking males! You're as useless as you are ugly!" Sierra barked at the fairly large one staring her down. They traded a few blows, Sierra catching a shot to the face.
"Maybe that'll teach you to shut your mouth, bitch." The male quipped, watching Sierra spit up. She lunged for him, rolling with him to the ground she managed to get the upper hand and pin him for a moment. She went for his throat to lock him into place, but he kept his snaps and swipes frantic. Forcing her to back off. With a good kick he tossed her off, she managed to keep stable without stumbling off her feet.
"Traeda, boys, focus on the bitch that knocked out Theron. Cut the head off the leader of this group." One of them yelled out. They turned for Vitani who was now the target of their attention. The other two girls were already pinned, submitting the male’s strength.
"Don't you fucking touch her!" Sierra screamed, pulling Traeda away from her. The other three started closing in on Vitani, forcing her back further and further from the others.
"Sierra!" Vitani cried, seeing Traeda get the better of her and pin.
"I'd worry about myself if I were you." One of the males spouted, stealing her attention.
"Fine, if I'm going down. I'll take your throats with me!" Vitani screamed lunging for them. The males roared as they did their best to catch here flailing body. Vitani at best got a deep strike into the arm of one of them before they took control of her limb by limb. Throwing her to the ground, they leaned in. The strikin male, growling and drooling as he readied to strike her. She spat up blood in his face in defiance, he roared in anger. Lunging in he went for her throat and she braced for the impact of his fangs. Shutting her eyes tight she was surprised to hear a familiar roar directly behind. Asani dug his fangs into the lion’s mane, his claws into his sides and lifted, hurling him over as Asani fell back.
"Get the fuck off my girl!" he shouted, leaping to his feet, he roared and slammed the other lion off. Ni and Kopa sacked the other, while Simba took control of Traeda, who had Sierra still pinned. Amri and Endail checked on the two, still lying on the grass. A flood of fangs and roars filled the field as all of the Pride Lands had been emptied to respond. It was now just the five of them. Theron staggering to his feet, he looked to Endail, standing on the opposite side of him. There was no chance for the five now though. It was easily three to one. Perhaps even four for some of them.
"Ezea know who you stand with now?!" Theron shouted.
"Who am I standing with?!" Endail countered. "Look at you! This isn't what we were assigned to do! Ghavrah’s gonna have us kill this kingdom, and my cousin doesn't have the wit to see what will come of that!"
"Traitor!" Traeda shouted back in rage.
"Tarok, look at yourself!" Endail called out, catching the younger male’s attention. "You're going to be a tool for massacre with Ghavrah; I thought you wanted to aspire to Akinlana's greatness! Traeda, he's your best friend, tell me this is how Ezea's always been." He pleaded. "That's right, you can't. He's lost his fucking mind. I won't watch my cousin throw himself to insanity. If he wants me, he knows where to find me, now get the fuck out of here!" Traeda glanced to the others and snarled back at Endail the others.
"We'll be back, you can count on it!" Traeda threatened, turning around and leading them away.
"I'll be waiting." Endail whispered. Hanging his head he turned back to Pride Rock. Amri rushed over and put a paw on his back.
"Thank you, nephew." Amri said with a sigh of relief.
"Don't!" Endail snapped. "Amri, I'm as good as dead. Just, let me stay here please until he gets my throat." Amri nodded and watched as he led the way back home. Asani brought Sierra over to Vitani's side and set her down. Stroking her head she tried to sooth there pain.
"You alright?" He asked quietly. Vitani spat out another gout of blood from her mouth and sniffed.
"I'm fine. How's my baby girl?" She asked, looking to Sierra. Shaking her head she shrugged her shoulders.
"I'll live." Asani pulled their heads into his chest, kissing them each.
"You fought like champs today. Those guys aren't anything to fuck with."
"No, they’re not." Vitani agreed. "I caught that one cock sucker cause he wasn't looking. But I could barely touch that Tarok one."
"What's his face had me pinned so hard, I could barely breathe." Sierra chipped in. Asani stroked her neck, kissing her cheek.
"I'll make them pay." He whispered. "You don't gotta worry about that."
"Asani." Vitani moaned, pausing for a moment "I was scared." Asani looked away a moment, not in the least bit surprised.
"Three to one, who the fuck wouldn't be a little scared."
"No." She cut off. "I held back. I was scared if I went all out. They would hurt me enough, to hurt my cubs." She confessed. Asani ran his paw over her head, trying to calm her down. He could see her starting to tear up. "I've never been scared of an enemy my whole life. And they just, terrified me." Ni and Kopa came over, seeing Asani still there with the girls.
"Guys beat it." Asani ordered.
"Sorry brother, no can do." Ni argued. "We have to get home, now."
"Vitani." Kopa said softly. She didn't look at him, she refused to. "Vitani, come on. We have to go."
"Fine." She gave in, reaching for Asani's back. "Asani, take me." She begged, climbing up on his back.
"Yeah hop on." He encouraged lightly. Ni looked to Sierra and leaned down.
"You need a lift, Sierra?" He offered. She glanced to Asani then to him and nodded slightly.
"I'd rather ride my pretty boy but, you'll do." She joked, climbing onto his back. Kovu fell back from the group and joined them as they walked toward the pride. Reaching for his sister’s paw he tried to get her attention.
"Sis, are you ok?"
"I'm fine, Kovu. It's just, pregnancy stuff." She dismissed. Kovu looked off in the distance where the other five had run. Snarling he pulled away from the others, Kopa followed for a moment then pulled him around.
"Kovu, what are you doing!?" Kopa pleaded.
"I'm going after them!"
"Don't be stupid! You'll get killed!" Kopa pleaded.
"They already tried to murder my sister! I'm not letting them get away with this." Kovu insisted.
"Fine, but wait for cover of night. Let's get the info out of Endail and Zazu first, then we'll go from there." Kovu snarled and kicked up the grass with his paw.
"Fine!" He barked, turning to rejoin the others.
Asani pinned Zazu to the ground and shoved his face directly into his beak.
“Spill it before I pluck you and use you as a tooth pick!” He shouted angrily.
“Please! Don’t hurt me! I’ll tell you everything, I swear!” He pleaded, trying to hide his face from Asani.
“Zazu how could you!” Nala protested alongside Simba.
“We trusted you.” Simba piped in.
“Sire please, listen to me.” He begged once more, trying to shove Asani’s paw off him. Simba gave a nod to him as Asani let him up. “Better.” He nodded, brushing his feathers off.
“Talk. Now.” Nala demanded.
“After your negotiations, Ezeamaka called me down. He told me that if I gave him a little information that he would not hurt Amri. Ysura was mating with the scoundrel; I hoped perhaps I could get a shred of decency out of him.” He quickly explained. Simba and Nala quickly turned to Ysura.
“Mating with him!?” Nala exclaimed.
“Nala he was the boy who rescued me during our war with Zira.” She answered swiftly.
“Him?! That’s the lion you were drooling over?”
“Hey! He wasn’t like this before!” Ysura protested.
“Enough! Bird, what did you tell him!” Asani demanded once more.
“Only a few things. He wanted to know who was expecting and who wasn’t. The cubs names, and roughly when we hunt. He claimed he wanted to avoid mishaps or wounding any of the pregnant lionesses. My goodness, I was such a fool.” Zazu explained.
“What can you tell us about them?” Kovu asked, joining the interrogation.
“Well, hardly much to tell. They are very transparent with their intents. Honestly if you want information, speak with him!” He scoffed pointing off to Endail.
“Yeah, good point.” Asani smiled, walking over to Endail. “Why don’t you start talking, cousin?”
“Asani.” Amri groaned. “Let the boy be, he will tell us what he can in due time.”
“No Amri.” Simba interjected. “I know he’s family of yours, but if there’s anything we need to know about Ezeamaka, he is our source. Endail is your name, right?” Endail kept his head low, hardly acknowledging the question.
“Yes.” He sighed.
“Please, if there’s anything you can tell us.” Simba pleaded. Endail shook his head, trying to resist the urge to talk. He knew no matter what he did now, his cousin would see him as a traitor. Still, at the same time, he wanted to help the Pride Landers, just to stop him. Wiping out an entire kingdom was a crime punishable by death back home in the High Reach.
“Hey.” Nala budded in, interrupting his chain of thought. “You didn’t have to help us today, yet you came. Shed some light on this for us. Tell us what you can.” She pleaded to him.
“Uncle?” He said, looking to Amri, begging for some escape from the situation. Amri took a deep breath and nodded.
“It’s best if you talk, nephew.” Endail hesitated a moment, patting the ground, trying to think in his mind where to begin.
“My cousin is grieving uncle. See, Aunt Serwa put all this effort into raising him. She encouraged him to train, to make friends. Ezea and I, we spent a lot of time together as well. Akinlana trained us himself until he got too weak and uncle Tasani took over. But when Serwa died. It hit him hard. Really hard. He was so quiet; he stopped talking to a lot of his friends. He barely talked to me. Then all of a sudden it was like, it didn’t matter. He just bounced back like it was nothing. He put on a good show for everyone else but, I could see in his heart it was still killing him.”
“Did she die, like he said?” Amri questioned.
“Yes and no. Serwa died in yours and Jelani’s den uncle, but she died from sickness, not starvation.”
“I see.” He sighed.
“Anyway, before the last wet season started. He became obsessed with finding you. At first I thought it was just so he could meet you. But then he told me, he was gonna punish you for abandoning the Pride. Haidar and Kondo were on board right away, they thought it would be a lot of fun. Kamili was a friend of mine, I asked him to go along to make sure he didn’t do anything foolish. That’s when grandfather pushed Nathari on him as well. Speaking of which, where is he?” Endail asked, glancing around the room.
“Do not dwell on that now boy.” Amri said, hoping to hear the rest of his story. “Go on.”
“Well, not much to tell after that. They went out; you wiped out his whole crew, then came back saying he barely survived.”
“We killed two of them, the others gave in.” Ni corrected. Endail looked to him and Amri in confusion.
“Only two? What do you mean?”
“Nathari claims, Ezeamaka killed Kamili for failing him in the battle.” Amri answered.
“What?! No that’s a lie! He was killed by you!” Endail protested.
“Kopa over there killed, what was it, Haidar right?” Asani asked, looking to him. Kopa nodded, unhappily. “Buddy, Ni here got Kondo.”
“Brash, Asani.” Amri interjected. “But it is true, we took only their lives. They fought with honor to the death.”
“But Ezea... killing Kamili?! No it can’t be. He was my friend!” Endail cried out. “That’s the reason I joined him this time. I wasn’t going to let any of my friends get harmed anymore.”
“I’m so very sorry boy.” Hakima perked in, patting his back. “Ezeamaka seems set to betray anyone in order to get what he desires. But what of this, Ghavrah. What evil courses through his veins?”
“Ghavrah? Yeah, he was Ezea’s most recent mentor. Taught him how to lead “efficiently” as he puts it. He did always kinda look up to him when he was little for some reason. Probably cause Ghavrah always made up these bullshit stories about battles he had.”
“Is he someone to worry about?” Ni questioned.
“Yes.” Both Amri and Endail answered. “Uncle?”
“What I recall of Ghavrah is not fond. Even when he was young, that brash arrogant prick would force his will on any group he led. He’s a powerful fighter, but his age may have slowed him now. Still, with my son as his puppet, I dread what he may be able to do.”
“He made a pact with Ezea. They work together to become major figures in the High Reach, and Ezeamaka lets him spread his blood. Impregnate a few of our prides more “Finer” lionesses.”
“The old fool believes he can still breed? He’s but two years shy of my father in age!” Amri exclaimed.
“You’re junk still works, doesn’t it uncle? I mean you fathered another cub after Ezea.” Endail quipped with a shy smile. Amri shook his head with a smile.
“Nephew, let’s be blunt here. Is there any chance of reasoning with the boy?” Amri asked firmly. Endail took a deep breath and looked away.
“No, not from you at least. He only ever listened to his mother, and occasionally grandfather.”
“So then the choice is clear.” Asani proclaimed, glancing to the group one by one. “He won’t listen to reason, he’s a threat to our families our loved ones. I’m sorry Amri; we have to put him in the ground.”
“We must defeat him Asani, we need not kill him.” Amri countered.
“No, Amri.” Ni sighed. “Asani is right. You defeated him last time and look where it got us.”
“If we don’t kill him and Ghavrah, these attacks will never stop. He’ll coming back to fuck with us until your dead. Then what? He’ll go after Saeska? Maybe her cubs later on?” Asani carried on.
“Asani, you’re being a little dramatic but you are right. Amri this will never stop until either you or him die. We love you; we don’t want to bury you at the end of this.” Ni insisted, reaching for Amri’s arm.
“There must be, some other way.” He pleaded, looking to Endail.
“Uncle, I’m with you. I love my cousin; I don’t want to see him die.” He agreed.
“It’s going to come to him or us.” Ni refuted. “Endail, if you want you don’t have to fight with us against him but if your even thinking of helping him. We’re going to have to hold you here, prisoner.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” Endail barked.
“Asani.” Ni nodded. Tackling Endail he pinned him to the ground. Simba and Nala backed off as he struggled to hold him. Simba gave Asani a moment to settle him before putting a little weight on his backside.
“Ni, that’s enough!” Amri shouted.
“It is.” Ni sighed meeting Amri eye to eye. “You asked me to train with you to lead our pride in your absence. This is too personal, and it’s hitting you to deep. Simba, with your permission, I’d like to take Amri’s place, as lord of the Pride Lands.” They both turned to him, watching as he held Endail down.
“Amri.” Simba began. “I put my faith in those I love in times when my decisions are clouded. It’s what brought Kovu, and the outlanders back into our lives, making our family whole again.” He walked off of Endail and slowly came to Amri’s side. He placed a paw on his shoulder and smiled lightly, trying to hide the pain of his decision. “Trust in Ni. If you can find a way to reach him, do whatever you can. But if he tries anything dirty like what he did before.” He stated, turning to Ni. “You have my permission to lead our kingdom in an attack against these lions. Kill Ezeamaka and Ghavrah, and put down any others that refuse to flee.”
Amri bowed his head, knowing that now there was little more he could do. He shoved Asani off of Endail, lifting his nephew to his feet and placing him beside him. Kopa looked around the room, some of the faces were grim and upset, while others seemed eager for the threat to finally end. Kovu’s absence caught his attention right away, looking all around the den he was not in his usual location at Kiara and Dasha’s side.
“Father, I’ll be right back.” Kopa announced heading out of Pride Rock. Reaching its peak he looked about for any signs of Kovu. He was slowly heading off toward the watering hole. Rushing down to meet him, he caught him near the edge. “Kovu, you ok?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” Kovu sighed, gazing down into the water as the setting suns reflection shimmered. “I’m really sorry I snapped at you earlier.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Kopa comforted, patting his brothers back. The two took a few sips from the pool and looked off toward the south.
“We’re brothers right?” Kovu asked.
“Of course.”
“Then let’s go out there and end this threat tonight, together.” He suggested adamantly.
“Kovu, I’d love to but, eight on two is suicide. We’d be killing ourselves and leaving our pride, our family vulnerable.” Kopa argued softly, trying to diffuse Kovu’s eagerness.
“I’m not planning some half-assed attempt to raid them. I’m saying we infiltrate, and assassinate Ghavrah and Ezeamaka. Get the jump on them and put them down without so much as a sound.”
“You’re really that stealthy?” Kopa asked in disbelief.
“I am, and you’re pretty good as well from what I’ve seen. Come on brother, we can do this together. We’re two of the strongest lions here. Together we can ambush them and put em down for good!” Kovu encouraged, his eyes lighting up as he spoke.
“We’ll need a good plan.” Kopa smiled.
“I got it covered, don’t you worry. I’ll explain on the way there. Are you with me?” Kovu asked, reaching for Kopa’s paw. Kopa met his eyes with a smile; there was little doubt that without those two to command, it would cripple the offensive ability of the High Reach warriors. He clapped Kovu’s paw and nodded in agreement.
“Let’s take them out!” He cheered.
“For our home and family.” Kovu echoed, leading the way to the south. As the sun began to set, Kovu and Kopa began to move in on the territory Ezeamaka had claimed outside the Pride Lands. Back in the High Reach, Saeska struggled through the night with her fever as Nathari lay awake at her side. Watching her every move, he brushed her fur with his paw, caressing her against him to keep her warm and comforted. Endail and Amri lay at each other’s side, talking quietly about happier times at home, and what to do now. The night fell uneasily upon everyone, and perhaps now the only hope lays with Kovu and Kopa, and a swift end to the conflict.
