Chapter 26- The Storm

Four of us stalked through the grass. It was losing its life but had enough to keep us hidden as we edged our way closer to pride rock. Simba, Fikiria, Kiburi and I were going ahead with the plan as instructed. We had to get close to give the signal to the rest of them. Looking around though, it was quiet, almost too quiet. I became suspicious of it, but couldn't say anything until we made for some cover. I couldn't imagine us all looking too hidden, considering the size of the three males with me. I was smaller than all of them, and Kiburi was approaching the hulking size of his father, not doing much to build my confidence in our abilities to stay hidden from any patrolling hyenas. I was taken from my thoughts to have Simba point in the direction of a decent sized covering rock, and given the slight change in wind direction, we couldn't have found it at a better time. Looking over, there was a clear, close up view of pride rock. I could feel my nerves build again. I didn't want to mess this up for anyone. In particular for the lions trapped on pride rock in Scar's reign. I knew this may not be the case for all of them, but I knew that many of them wouldn't be leaping to Scar's defence. I remembered what Zazu had told us before, about how there were some lionesses that did favour Scar, which had me worried if the situation had developed further. If it could be avoided, I didn't want to have conflict with anyone, but everyone was well aware that Scar was never just going to give up his position as king. Regardless, we would still try everything we could to make sure casualties were reduced. We had trained to kill our enemies, but we had been told to do so only if necessary. I couldn't shake the sinking feeling in my stomach though, fearing that there would be some that take it too far, or that I would make a poor judgement call in the heat of the moment and cost someone's life. Nguvu had already spoken to me and said that I should go into this expecting that some would complete their journey in the circle of life. It was the sad reality of the challenge we were embarking on.

The moment I had sent off the roar to signal the start, I had kept my mind focused on the task as much as I could. Only a few times my mind slipped from my objective. I couldn't help it though, wondering if we were going abut this the right way. I knew that Simba, Fikiria and Kiburi were fully behind the plan, but with the background I had, I never really wanted a war. It was only happening because of me though, and I had made a commitment, and I didn't want to back out. I just hoped I would be able to find a more palatable solution to it all. Through it though, I had my doubts that I could bring one. Scar wouldn't listen to reason normally, and even if he had listened to me before, it was only when I said what he wanted to hear. Once he saw me returning, no doubt he would be far less open to my council. With our plan though, I hoped it was possible to avoid talking to him altogether, though I was sure we would still meet again. It felt strange to look over to pride rock and think how we were plotting to overthrow the ruler. Not only were we planning to overthrow Scar, but there had been open talk of the consequences he would face. The only good news was that there were no thoughts on making him suffer, but then end result made me uncomfortable, even if he was a nasty piece of work. For just a moment though, a thought passed my mind where I would tell Scar everything that was going to happen, and that maybe he would step down and run away to never be seen again. At least then he would leave with his life, if nothing else. Thinking about it again though, I knew how it would go. He would hear my words, laugh at them and then mock me for it. Then the plan would go ahead and then there would be no time for Scar to change his mind. Since we left for the Pridelands, I'd had the image in my head of all the different looks Scar would give to me when he realised that his time as king was over. Of course, these were all the thoughts I had of us in victory. Though they were smaller in number, I had some visions of what would happen if we didn't win. I could see Scar mocking any number of us, even adding insult to injury perhaps by putting us through mental suffering. In my head I could see him taunt me over Simba lifeless body, all before he would instruct his hyenas to make sure everyone who tried to help me could watch as he ended my existence. If the thoughts of Scar's demise brought me to a shudder, then the image of my own life lost was chilling. I knew Scar was capable of it though.

For a few minutes, we rotated turns on looking over the rock we took cover behind, making sure that there was no one around to spot us. We weren't so concerned about a few hyenas finding us, as we knew with the four of us, they could be silenced rather fast. However, being mindful that Scar had some allied lionesses, we didn't want to get their attention in any way. If they were smart, all they would need was to pick up on our scent and then return to Scar with news of intruders in his kingdom. That would make things trickier to deal with, although not impossible, given the numbers we had. Still, that would be difficult considering the army of hyenas Scar had behind him. To his credit, Scar was smart as well, which meant the four of us going ahead had to be careful, more so than usual. We knew with the ground we had covered; it was as close as we would be able to get for staging an attack. Ahead, there was no more cover, so it was the last place we could hide coming from that direction. Of course, we knew that part of the plan was to allow for others to start circling around pride rock, giving us a better range of attack, but that wasn't coming until a little bit later. Whilst Kiburi took his turn looking around, I peered at the other two, seeing how they were getting along well, working as a good team together, communicating with each other for information and support. If being around them didn't make me a little nervous, I would have been able to smile towards them when they saw I was looking. I held my stern expression and looked away, joining Kiburi to look over with him.

We both stayed low, keeping our eyes peeled. Before we knew it though, our system had broken, Fikiria and Simba joining us to peer over. A small shift from Kiburi's paws caused my ears to twitch and look at them to see he was pointing elsewhere. I followed with my eyes to where he was pointing and at first, I couldn't see anything other than a stretch of grass that swayed a little in the wind. That was when I realised it was a little bit odd, because it wasn't swaying in the same direction as the wind, alerting me to the fact it was the presence of something in the grass to make it move that way. I frowned and waited to get a better look, guessing it wasn't a hyena as there hadn't been any laughter. Whatever was moving through the grass has been moving with a good understanding of how to remain undetected. I wanted to gasp when I saw their heads lift though. I could see that they were lionesses. Simba and I looked to each other and then back at the lionesses. It became clear that neither of us knew who these ones were. It raised a few questions in my head. Kiburi picked up on our confusion as his brow furrowed. For a moment I thought of all the pride members I knew of, at least by name. I couldn't think of who she and the others might be. Their apparent leader held a stern expression as she scanned the area, never quite looking our way as we made a slow retreat back behind the rock. Before we got back down, I noticed a notch from her ear, but only when I thought she may have caught sight of me. I froze in place and breathed a sigh of relief when she and the rest of her hunting party continued on their way. The manner in which they did told me that I hadn't been spotted, by nothing but sheer luck in my opinion. Our plan nearly failed before it began.

As we rested against the rock, waiting for my heart rate to slow, Simba looked to me, "I don't recognise those lionesses. Do you?" He asked, getting a prompt shake of the head from me. "None of them? I thought my mother led the hunts...so why isn't she now?" He questioned, though he wasn't looking for me to give an answer, instead giving himself some time to think. It allowed me to do the same.

My head lifted from thought and I looked to Simba, "I think it's not any lioness from the Pridelands." I looked to see all three lions were staring at me, waiting or me to give them more. "I think these lionesses are from a different pride. Or at least, they were from a different pride. Simba, remember I told you about the royal family that came along after Fikiria and I met?" He nodded, but it didn't let me know if he was understanding where I was going with it. "Oh...damnit, what was the pride's name? Kosy? Konkose? No, the Kokosa pride!" I exclaimed, covering my mouth soon after, thinking that may have been louder than I wanted it to be. "Considering Scar actually formed a sort of agreement with them, I think that they might be members of that pride that Scar managed to get to stay in the Pridelands. At a guess, I'd say it's because Sarabi isn't as willing to hunt at Scar's demand." I explained, looking back over again to where the lionesses had been. They had gone, but I could picture them there, picking out details. From the ones I had seen, they were different to the Pridelander lionesses, suggesting I was right that they weren't from the pride in the first place. "It doesn't matter where they are from, we have to assume for now that they're on good terms with their king, so at all times we must not interact with them, at least not yet. We're already going to have a lot to deal with because of all the hyenas." I explained, earning nods from all three of the lions with me.

Kiburi nudged my attention to him, "From the looks of it, they were starting a hunt. Judging from the state of the Pridelands, it's fair to assume that they will have to go far. My father will be alert to them and stop any of our pride from making contact with them. As you say, the less we have to face, the easier this task will be." He stood and stared towards pride rock, frowning, "There is something else concerning me though. For all the talk of how we would fight hyenas, don't you think there has been a distinct lack of hyenas around so far? When we discussed our plan, we thought that maybe there would be the chance of hyenas slowing our approach but making the final push a bit easier."

At his words, I couldn't help but join him, staring at the place I used to call home, "I had been thinking that too. When I was living here and the hyenas came, they were quite close to pride rock, but it wasn't uncommon for them to scatter further because they would all be looking for food or scaring other pridelanders. It was awful, but maybe with everything scared off, they've decided to go even further? Or maybe they've...wait..." I squinted a little bit and looked at my old home closer. I let out a sigh, disappointed I hadn't spotted them before, "I'm pretty sure they're all there...or at least all very close around pride rock. How could I be so stupid not to see it at first? Look." I pointed out to Kiburi, both of us frowning as we spotted more and more hyenas close to pride rock. Even though we had moved in close, they were closer than we thought, complicating our initial plan.

Kiburi gave a similar reaction to me once he saw them, "There's very little chance that we'll be able to get close enough for our surprise attack to work. There's so many that one of them is bound to notice. I know we don't give them much credit for being alert, but at least one in their number would spot someone. Fikiria and I will go back to warn our father, then we can come up with a solution. You and Simba stay here and hold our position. It is important that when we come back, you tell us of any further development, okay?" He looked to me, nodding to his brother as they readied themselves.

As he had been speaking, I had been coming up with my own plan though, "Kiburi, I know what to do." For a moment he accepted what I said as my acknowledging his plan, but when he looked at me for a little longer, he could see where I was going with it. I didn't give him time to respond though, "You're right, they will notice. However, what if we get them to focus on one lion? I know how their attention holds to Scar, better than any of you. Scar will be keeping all his attention on something, and all the hyenas will do the same. I don't think he would be any more fixated on something than he would be if he saw me. He actually named me as heir and then I ran away. If he sees me again, it is impossible that he would look at anything else around him. I need to go out there and provide the distraction we need so that everyone can get in position." I saw Kiburi about to protest again, but stopped him once more, "If you go back to tell your father and then come up with another plan, we still won't know how good a plan it is at this point. We won't have had as long to come up with it, and we don't know how long those lionesses will be gone for. We need to keep moving things forwards, not stopping and starting again." I explained, looking away from Kiburi to see the worry on the other two's faces as well.

Fikiria got closer to me, his eyes staring into mine, "You can't be serious about doing this. You're smart, but this plan isn't. My brother is right, we need to rethink over what we'll do. It might take a bit longer, but at least we'll have a full plan." He pushed up against me as well, making me back up a little.

My frown told him how I felt about his words, "Thank you for displaying the confidence you have in me, Fikiria, it's much appreciated." I spat, feeling the need to growl, although I suppressed it, "We know that the plan we have is the best bet. This is something I can do. It'll make sure we do the plan we have all trained for. I want to make this as straight forward as possible. This is the way to do it. If we take too long, then we'll have to wait until those lionesses are gone again. That's another waiting game that I don't think we have the time for." I sighed, shaking my head, "Look, I'm sorry I snaped at you just now, but I really do think this is the best option we have." He didn't look convinced with me.

Before I could move aside again though, Kiburi was in my face, sterner than his little brother, though it did nothing to intimidate me this time, "I don't think you've thought this through enough. We need someone with more experience to develop a plan that we can be sure will work. Your plan is based on an assumption you've made from a place you lived in several moons ago. Things could have changed a lot since then, which means you'd be putting yourself at risk for nothing. Remember that you and I have talked about having each other's backs? Well, this is a time I'm watching yours. I can't let you take that risk." He shook his head, standing firm in my way.

I turned to try and get the only other scape route I had, but I was blocked by Simba, who looked at me with a worried expression, mixed in with his own concern, "Simba, come on, you have to let me do this. You've got to see that I'm right on this. I know I don't have as much experience as Nguvu, but I know Scar better...damnit you know Scar better! Please, don't stand in my way, Simba." I returned his look of concern. He came in to embrace me, letting me sigh out, "I need to do this."

He stepped away from the embrace, but didn't move out of my way, leaving me surrounded by the three lions. "You're right. You do know Scar better. You probably know him better than a lot of lions do. I know you think that this is the way you can help, and you're already a massive help. I just..." Simba looked at the other two lions as they stared me down, waiting for me to make an attempt to escape, "I think that it would be safer to go with what Kiburi said. If they can get back in time, then there's a chance we won't have to worry about those other lionesses either. Plus, it means you don't put yourself right in Scar's way. I know you know him better, but that should mean you know he is the same lion who tried to have me killed. Who's to say he won't try and do the same to you when you show yourself? What if he takes one look and sends a dozen hyenas to you? The three of us wouldn't be able to get to you in time to save you, and even if we did, he'd only send out more. I just think there's got to be a better plan than that." He explained, closing the three of them around me.

Fikiria chimed in again, "Simba's right. If something went wrong on your plan, then there's nothing we could do about it. One of the main reasons we are doing this is so that you and Simba can rule the Pridelands as king and queen. If you're not there to be queen, what was the point?" He asked, the other two nodding at his words, prompting me to bite my tongue for a moment. I could see their point.

"That's true." I started, swallowing as I looked at the three of them, wondering for a second how it had come to this. "It's true, I am meant to be queen with Simba. However, what you all have to remember is that Simba was always meant to be king of the Pridelands. I wasn't always meant to be queen. If I do this and even if they do go in to attack me, I'll be able to have caused the distraction we need, right?" I looked around at them to see they weren't arguing, although they didn't look thrilled with what that would have meant, "Simba," I turned to focus on him, embracing again for a moment, "you know how much I love you. I don't want to leave you. However, if leaving you gives you the chance to be king, like you're meant to be, then I'll do it. You're the true king, but I know I'm not the only option for queen." I could feel myself tearing up, though I stayed strong to hold it all back.

Simba shook his head, the worry in his eyes growing by the second, "Don't talk like that, you scare me when you do. You and I are not going to be like that. You and I will be ruling the Pridelands together. I might be the true king, but Tishala, you are the only lioness I can think of that I would want to be queen next to me." His expression shifted to a hurt, angered one, "So don't you dare tell me I can go find another queen. I don't want another one. There's only one rightful queen in my mind." He calmed himself the more he spoke, his eyes settling on mine. He knew what the others didn't.

Kiburi stepped in, "Listen to what Simba is saying. The risk you have is far to great. You may think you know Scar, but if he was able to use tricks and schemes to get himself to be king, then there is a strong chance he will do the same to you. Again, as we agreed earlier, we would have each other's support. Right now, all three of us are giving you the support and guidance to the right decision." He went on, though Simba knew I wasn't in the mood to be listening. It was nothing against the lions around me, but in my mind, I knew this was a risk that had to be taken. I could feel my heart beating faster as I thought about doing it. I couldn't move whilst I had all three of them in my way, and there was no way I would be able to scramble over the rock fast enough before the brothers would pull me back down. Even if I did get over in time, there was the chance we would be heard in the ensuing struggle. "You don't have to play the hero in this. In fact, we all advise you not to. My father would say the same thing if he were here. It won't take Fikiria and I long to get a plan. My father's experience will come through. There will be another way through this, Tishala, you have to trust me." He leaned in.

Pushing back, I frowned at the three of them again, "What is it with you three? You talk about the fact I need to trust you, but it sounds like you don't trust my judgement. Who's to say that my plan won't work? You focus on all the things that could go wrong, well let me tell you; I've thought of them too. In fact, I've thought of more. Despite that, I think that I have a good chance of causing that distraction that we need for everyone to move in closer. I'll need Fikiria to tell Nguvu and everyone else. Once I get to pride rock, and I will, then I will give you all the signal, okay?" They raised their brows at me but didn't make a move to argue with me. "I know what Scar's like. He would like to make an example of me to the others. At the very least, if he was going to hurt me, he would make sure others were hurt too. That means I might be able to see the other lionesses. Even if I can't speak to them, I can let them know that help is on the way. Kiburi and Simba, if I don't give my signal before too long, then I want you both to signal the start of our attack. I'll likely have given enough time for everyone to be ready, bit even if not, we'll still be in a better position than we were." I nodded at them, looking over at Fikiria, "I need you to go tell them now." I spoke with clear authority in my tone. I made it clear to all three of them that my plan was going ahead. Without a word, the young prince nodded and made his leave towards his father, who was waiting further behind with a part of the army we had brought with us. Turning my attention to Kiburi, he and eye glared at each other for a moment before both our resolves broke, "You're still looking out for me, don't worry. I will be fine. I can look after myself as well, remember. Scar is smart, but I can keep up with any trick he might throw at me. I promise." I shot him a smile, trying to bring up his belief. "I'm counting on you to help me out here." We nodded.

Looking to Simba, I could see the worry in his eyes, both of us embracing for a third time, again forcing me to hold back any tears I wanted to shed. I felt my body shake with all the nervous energy I had. I knew I could do it but seeing Simba's worry made me less confident for a moment. "Simba, I promise you I will come back. Gonna take more than your uncle and some hyenas to knock me down. You and I have so much more to do together. Don't think you're getting out of it that easy." I grinned at him, both of us looking at each other as we fought off sobbing, though my words at first were muffled by his growing mane. We chuckled, though I was aware both ours came from the nerves we felt.

He got closer to me, lifting up one of my front paws with his, "Are you sure you have to do this?" He lowered his head a little, making his eyes larger. Regardless of his attempt I nodded, a small smile on my face as I couldn't help but react that way when he was looking at me like that. Seeing my answer, he let out another sign and nodded, "Falling in love with someone so stubborn can't be good for my health, but okay. If you're going, then I'll go with you." He announced, puffing his chest out some.

My eyes widened and I shook my head, dropping my paw from his hold, "That's definitely not happening. I'm doing this alone, Simba." He looked at me, surprise evident in his face, "It's not that I don't want you with me Simba. I just think this would work best if I went alone. Him seeing me will already be a surprise, but I think the fact that we keep you hidden until later will be an extra surprise that his whole army won't know how to handle. We need him to see it later on though. We have enough surprises that we don't need to give it all away at the start. If you're seen before we start battling, then he will know you will have come back to challenge him for the throne. No. We need you to charge in the attack when it's meant to happen. I love you, but I need to do this one alone. You can trust me." I went in to start nuzzling him, Simba returning. The two of us were purring, only for Kiburi to remind us of his presence, clearing his throat. I stepped out and nodded, "Right. Okay, remember, wait for my signal. If too much time passes, then you call the signal. We can do this." The three of us looked between each other and nodded. With that, I went away from the hiding spot of the rock and into the clearing to make my way towards pride rock. I could feel the nerves build for me, making me steps feel shaky. At the same time, I could feel my mouth going dry as scenarios played in my head. The pressure was starting to hit me. I froze on the spot for a moment, looking back to the rock where I knew the other two were hiding. I was careful not to spend too long with my eyes lingering there, in case I had already been spotted and given away the position of my allies. I steeled myself and pressed on, knowing now that I had started a plan, the only way anything was going to work was if I went through with it. I nodded to myself and kept stepping ahead, readying myself for what was to come.


With pride rock a stone's throw away, albeit a strong throw, I could hear some cackling. On the inside I could feel my skin crawl at the sound. I'd gone so long without seeing or hearing any hyenas, that when I caught a glimpse of a few of them, they were all looking at me. I nodded to myself and remained as tall as I could be. None were close enough to attack, and it looked like none of them were willing to make that move either. Instead, the volume of their laughter grew as the news of my presence spread across them. I felt a sinking sensation in my heart when I worked out that I wouldn't be the only one hearing their laughter. In addition to the hyenas, Scar had been informed of my presence, whether or not he was told who it was exactly. I peered up to see the lion looking down from the edge of pride rock. Even from the distance that he was, I could feel his emerald eyes piercing into me. I could feel my resolve weaken in that moment, but I muttered myself to stay strong. Any weakness I showed would be used against me. The winds had picked up a little and I could see his mane flowing a little bit from the breeze. I didn't think much of it at the time, but there were more clouds gathering around in the sky as well, looking as ominous as the lion on the edge of that rock. I could see, even from the distance I was, that Scar knew who I was. His expression was unreadable though. I had to get closer, but I knew he wouldn't just allow me closer. I would have to interest him, which was difficult, or I could irritate him, which was less difficult, but had its own risks. I knew Simba and the others were watching me from where they were stationed. It must have taken all his strength to not run to me.

I took a deep breath, taking the time to calm myself with it. Even if I was more nervous than I had ever been, I allowed myself a smile, narrowing my eyes up to Scar as I got even closer, the two of us looking right at each other. I could tell he didn't have quite the size advantage he did before, even if he was still larger. The horde of hyenas remained where they were, but my plan was working, all their attention was on me. Feeling a confidence boost from the plan going my way, I even started to make eye contact with some of the hyenas. Of course, my heart was still racing, but in my mind, the least I could do was put up a good act to keep them all occupied with watching me. All I needed to do was remain calm, bide my time and then give the signal I was planning on giving. For a while there was silence, just my attempts at ignoring Scar making sure that I still had their attention. A part of me wondered why Scar hadn't started speaking, knowing it was me. Perhaps he wasn't sure and needed to hear me speak first. Even then, I was sure I hadn't changed that much. There was a chance he thought I had died after I ran away, which was possible. He couldn't have expected me to survive by myself. Thinking of that, I took a step closer again, feeling my confidence grow again. His surprise would be greater if he thought I had died. This could only help us. "Your majesty." I shouted out, bowing from beneath the edge of pride rock, "I am disappointed there wasn't a greater reception for my arrival." I looked up to see a small amount of confusion mix in with his anger, "Oh don't look so confused, it doesn't suit you." I tutted, feigning a sad pout for a moment, just to try and get under his skin some more, "I just thought you'd hold a better reception for my return." I could see he was about to speak up, giving me the chance to take it even further, interrupting him, "the return of your named heir. I'm back, Scar." I grinned at him, seeing his expression transform to a scowl.

As if I hadn't been audacious enough with it, I started making my way to pride rock, reaching the bottom of it where I was growled at by several hyenas who had made their way there once I started speaking. They were all formed around, ready for any threat I may throw at them. Even through their snarling and mock snaps of their jaws, I didn't flinch, staring some of them down as I realised how much less they scared me now I had grown. They didn't outsize me anymore, which was the greatest tactic they used to intimidate me. I felt that with all my training and my increased strength, I would stand a chance against some of them. At one point, one of them tried to startle me by biting hard just inches away from me. I stopped and looked at the hyena for a moment, watching it giggle with uncontrollable glee, even though it didn't get a reaction from me. Just as it started to settle down, I leant forwards and snapped my jaws at it with more aggression. Not even to blink did I take my eyes of the hyena, watching it scramble a few steps away, whimpering as its near confrontation revealed that one had no substance to its threats. I held my head high as I walked amongst Scar's army, keeping my expression stern. Even if I was able to put up a good show in front of them, I felt terrified. I knew one slip up in my act and they would have the advantage. It was something they didn't need. To calm myself, I thought about the plan. What I was going to do, and how I was going to do it. I know already how I wanted to signal for the attack. I just had to make sure I could get there without compromising myself too much. In front of Scar there would have to be subtlety. Another hyena tried to snap at me, but got the same response as the one before, this time earning a dark growl from me. I guessed the only reason they hadn't attacked me was because Scar hadn't ordered them to do so. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been standing where I was, surrounded by hyenas who were all waiting for that call, but at the same time, knew they weren't going to get that call for at least a while. Scar was going to have his fun, so they would have to make do with trying to get a scared reaction from me.

Having walked a short distance, it felt like an age before I cam to a stop just over halfway up pride rock. For the first time in moons, I came face to face with Scar. Both of us looked at each other, sizing each other up for a moment. Once he stopped, he gestured for the hyenas beside him to get behind me, making sure I didn't try and run away. Of course, I didn't have any intention of running away. "Tishala?" He spoke, looking me over again as if to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

My efforts to come across confident continued, "Oh, it looks like you do recognise me." I grinned towards him, "Come on Scar, say something. You must have missed your princess." I cooed, feeling like I was losing a little bit of control with what I was saying. The fact I referred to myself as princess made me want to cringe, but I guessed if I used it, it would affect Scar more, seeing as he was the one to first call me that, in addition to the discomfort he saw it gave me. "Welcome back, Tishala." I snickered, mocking his voice, trying to fill any silence before I could get a read on his face.

For a moment, I thought I could see his reaction sour. However, as quick as I thought I saw it, a smile formed on his face and he actually came in to embrace me, holding me tight, his claws digging in. "Oh, princess Tishala. I cannot express my relief to see you again, my dear. You made me very worried when you disappeared." His voice drawled, his claws digging in more when he mentioned the part where I ran away. "I feared the worst for you. Ask any of the hyenas and they will tell you that I wept for days after you were gone. I know the dangers that a youngster like yourself can get into when they disappear like that. For the longest time I had all the hyenas and lionesses search for you. I did not let them rest until we were sure we could not find you. Some suggested that you might have betrayed our pride." He clutched onto me, holding me close as he got our heads side by side, "I confronted them, Tishala. I told them that my darling princess, my heir could never do something as despicable of that. After all, she had been brought up under my influence. Everyone knows that the heir to the Pridelands wouldn't run from her responsibility, hm?" He let out a toothy grin, his eyes focused on mine. If I wasn't intimidated by him before, then that look was enough to bring it all rushing back, like I was a cub in front of him again.

However, like when I was a cub, I could push myself through the intimidation, smiling back at him as I responded with a purr, "Well, no need to worry, hm?" I copied his mannerism, the two of us chuckling for a moment before I continued, "You trained me better than to not be able to survive. Much like my mentor and king, I was able to make friends along the way. I just got lost is all. I got lost for a while, but I knew I had to find my way back here. Back home." I pressed up to his side, prompting the Pridelands' king to do the same, both of us giggling, the hyenas around us starting to do the same. I was well aware that the tension between Scar and I was building. I didn't know how much of this he was buying, but I could tell he was at least interested to know more. "I'm sorry I put you through so much stress and worry. I know you've always looked out for me like I was yours." I didn't actually get the chance to finish that sentence, Scar cutting me off to get his words in.

"You always have been mine, dear. It didn't take long after your arrival before you started showing some traits that I can see in myself. It was heart-warming. The fact I selected you as my heir felt as if you were my own." To me, it was pretty clear he wasn't believing his words, let alone my own words, so I was a little more cautious with what I was going to say next. Scar noticed this and raised a brow, feigning concern, "You seem a little uncomfortable, is everything okay?" He dragged his tongue over my neck as if he was grooming me and it made my skin crawl. I had to fight the urge to not react. "It's okay if there is, you can talk to me about anything." His last word hanging in the air, Scar grinning at me. I could tell he was maybe starting to see through my faade, though I couldn't know for sure.

At one point, I could picture the look on Simba's face as he saw Scar so close to me. I knew if he could see this, he would be trying his hardest not to not to break position and charge in for me. "No no, nothing is wrong. It just..." I took a deep breath, letting out a long sigh afterwards, giving myself enough time to get composed again. "Being back here, it makes me happy, you know?" I smiled.

Scar rolled his eyes, "If you insist." He sounded as if he was bored, turning to start walking up to in front of the den. He looked back to me and his green eyes met mine, gesturing for me to follow him. I didn't need much encouragement, considering I had the group of hyenas behind me making sure I followed him up. We were halfway to the edge, and I couldn't help but eye it up, having found my target. Each step we took to get closer, I could hear more hyenas laughing, a few of their chants telling me they were fixated on the fact that I had returned, rather than spotting any other lions. I guessed that they were all close to being in position at this point, making me inch towards the edge.

However, before I could get any closer, I had to stop, "Scar, what has all your hyenas in such a commotion? We are trying to rest for the next hunt." The voice made me stop, freezing as I looked out across the Pridelands. I knew that voice. The authority in it, the strength, the warmth hidden for another moment. I turned around to see her. The former queen of the Pridelands. Our eyes met and we both knew it would only be moments before we were hit with the full force of emotions. I knew seeing her again would be emotional, but I wasn't prepared for the moment freeze we both had, the stunned silence hanging around as the dark clouds started to gather above, "Tishala?" She asked, her voice going softer than when she was speaking to Scar.

Not a moment later, I charged to her, the former queen taking a step forward so that the two of us could embrace, the tears starting to flow from me as I buried my face into her neck, the two of us nuzzling as we used to, although the size difference had reduced by a large amount, even if I was still smaller. Neither of us could help it as we started sobbing into each other. "My little Tishala." She sighed out, relaxing as we held onto each other, breaking to look back at each other with that smile that I left so long ago. I could see behind her there were the other lionesses that I knew from before, peering out to get a look at what had their leader frozen on the spot like she had been. I could see the wonder in some of their eyes. It was like I was back from the dead. Despite how hard I looked, I couldn't make out Sarafina, Nala or Inja from the group looking out. "Seeing you lifts my spirit..." She smiled at me for a moment longer before I saw her ears fall a little, showing not all was well with her, "It's terrible that you're back though. I'm sorry you have to be back when everything is...the way it is."

The two of us pressed our heads against each other, "You have nothing to be sorry for, Sarabi. I'm so sorry for ever leaving you all. I swear I didn't do it to hurt any of you. I just...I just couldn't..." I couldn't stop the sobbing that I started, though I still kept my voice hushed, knowing Scar had probably heard already, but I knew he wouldn't involve himself between us for a little moment longer at least.

Before I could go on any longer, Sarabi licked at my forehead, trying to calm me, which did work a little bit, though her voice was a little shaky as well, albeit she was still able to give a warm tone to me, calming me down, "Sshh, it's okay. No one blames you. It wasn't your fault. It could happen to the best of us. The important thing is that you're here now. We will make sure you never feel as scared and alone as you did in those days." She nodded, getting me to do the same. Through it though, I caught her by surprise, shifting my weeping visage to a confident smile and a wink before I was back to crying, getting the two of us to embrace again. My ears perked for a second, as if I would pick up on Scar. Sarabi was still trying to comfort me, though I could feel her forcing it more than before.

With a sniffle, I started to whisper to her, "I haven't come alone. When I give the signal, you need to help us fight if you all can. For those that can't, make sure they can escape to a safe distance." My tone was serious, composed and gave the same decisiveness I would have expected from Sarabi, were she executing this plan. In an attempt not to arouse further suspicion from the embrace, I started sobbing out again, "I just can't believe that I'm back. I was so scared I didn't think I'd see any of you again." I felt Sarabi perk up for a moment, only to slump again so Scar didn't see through what we were doing. I pulled away so the two of us could look each other in the eyes. I knew Scar was behind me, watching the scene unfold between the two of us. I could feel his scowl growing as he became impatient with our reunion. All the attention was off him, which meant that the hyenas were torn between watching Scar for a reaction as well as watching Sarabi and I as we held close to each other. "I promise you that I'm going to be there all the time for you now. No matter what you need, what the pride needs. I am going to be the best heir to this Pridelands that I can be." I smiled at her, sniffling again. A part of me was worried. Had I tried to play to Scar's ego too much that he had seen through what I was trying to do. I had sassed him a little bit, but the large majority had been me pretending I wanted Scar back.

Sarabi steadied her own voice, looking to me with a proud smile, which I could tell was genuine, rather than an act in front of Scar. "I have faith that you will be, dear. I believe the king would like to continue speaking with you now. I will let the lionesses know of your return. Though I'm sure they have seen for themselves that you are back." She gave Scar a glare before turning around and entering the den, the peering lionesses retreating back so they could listen to their leader. I had no doubt that she would be telling them. Once she disappeared, I sighed, moving to come face to face with Scar again, who had gotten right behind me, forcing me to stumble back a couple of steps.

He was glaring down at me, making me shrink on the spot, "I've been thinking about what you said, princess." He started, his usual tone adding to the tension I felt as he stared down at me. "Looking at you, I can see you were telling the truth that you found some friends." He spoke in a way that sounded almost proud, but his scowl hadn't faded a bit, "If you hadn't made friends, I doubt you would have survived. My only question is where are those friends now, hm? Who were those friends? Why did you come back here if you made those friends? Your king does not appreciate being lied to, even by his heir. You and I both know you're too smart to have just gotten lost for this long. What makes this even more suspicious is the fact that you have showed up, older, more confident. You even had the audacity to approach me in such a way that you assumed I would be ecstatic to see you. If you remember, you and I had a little fall out about a certain arrangement that was going to improve the life for everyone here. Because of you though, all of your fellow pride sisters have suffered. With your betrothal, we would have formed an alliance that would have helped us. We would have had larger hunting grounds, another pride to support us if we were to suffer. Instead, you left everyone here to rot. Whilst you were living away, enjoying your life, your decision has cost your pride members a great deal. Because of you, hunting has become more difficult." He leaned in, growling as his anger grew.

As scared as I was of him at that moment, I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of it, standing up tall in front of him. Even if I was still smaller, the fact I didn't back down would have frustrated him more than before. "Hunting has become more difficult? When I was walking in here, Scar, I saw some lionesses going for a hunt. I suppose that they're all from the Kokosa pride? How did you convince them to stay here?" I quizzed, narrowing my eyes at the lion king.

He did the same to me, leaning in some more, to the point we were inches apart. A sickly smile grew on his face and he nodded, "Oh yes, they saw the magnificence of my kingdom and they couldn't wait to become a part of such a glorious empire. Zira and her lionesses found that they wanted to move on to pastures anew, and the Pridelands provided them all with that opportunity. When they offered to do the hunting, what kind of king would I be to deny them of that honour? They didn't need much convincing. In truth, neither did the king or queen, or your formerly betrothed, Fedha. Tishala, princess, you should have seen the despair in his eyes when I had to announce to him and his family that it was no longer possible for him to become part of my kingdom. I had no heir for him to marry, with you gone. For a while, I did consider offering Nala to him, but then I remembered that their family were only interested in making sure their son had a kingdom to rule, and Nala doesn't offer that." I felt enraged that he was viewing one of my friends as an object like that. It was one thing when I was being spoken about like I was an object, but I hated it even more if it was my friends. Scar noticed my claws coming out, giving a small chuckle before he continued, "I see even after growing up some, you are still defensive as ever. It was always one of the things I admired about you, Tishala, your spirit. In most, I find that kind of energy unbearable. For some reason though, when you showed me that ferocity to defend your friends, I knew that I could choose you. Of course, I would know about being the fiercest. You and I share those qualities. Yet, another thig I saw in you was the fact that you had something I struggled to achieve." He took a breath, about to continue.

"I'm going to guess it's friendship. Other than your hyenas, I don't see where you're picking friends up." I could see his irritation that came from me interrupting. "You and I may share a few traits, Scar, but I think we both know that you picked me when I was younger because you were scared of me. Maybe just a little bit, but there was that scared thought in the back of your head. Even when I was smaller, I didn't always back down. You saw that as something like yourself, but in truth, it scared you, because if I kept at it, then I would be a threat when I got bigger, got stronger." I smirked at him, leaning in to speak in a hushed tone, "The truth is, you were trying to train me to have your qualities without letting any of my other ones grow. You're right, I didn't get lost. I got by all your hyenas without a problem. If a whole clan of hyenas couldn't get me then, how do you think they'll fair now?" I held my smirk at him, looking at his face as the shock was clear. His mind was trying to piece together everything I'd just said. If I hadn't planned this all out, I would have ben terrified of the consequence.

I lifted a paw to start making a move, Scar roaring right in my face. I could feel my face go warm with the pressure and tension I felt from it. I knew that all the lionesses would be watching this though, so I remained calm on the outside, taking deep breaths as my heart raced. Even if I knew I was going to anger him, I was never going to be ready for him to do that to me. "You have no respect for your king. If you have no respect for your king, you can never be expected to rule a kingdom either. All the treachery you have confessed to me, I have no choice but to make a judgement. It is with a heavy heart, but a rightful mind, that I sentence you, Tishala for your crimes against my kingdom. As we held such a close bond, I will be merciful to you." He nodded, having dropped his anger. When I looked to the den, I could see why. Everyone was outside, looking on as Scar was sentencing me. I could even spot Nala looking to me with surprise. They all shared a worried expression as they waited for Scar's verdict. "I have no choice, but to banish you from the Pridelands, exiled, to spend the rest of your days in isolation. The only one there look after you will be yourself. The consequence for returning to the Pridelands will be fatal. I only hope you heed this warning so that you can spare yourself that kind of fate. As a result of this decision, in light of the horrifying news you revealed to me, I can no longer have you as my named heir for the Pridelands." He held back a fake tear, wiping just beneath his eyes. I held a frown at him though, not falling for any of it. For now, the faade was just for the audience we had, even if all of them knew it was fake by now. "Do you have anything you wish to share?"

Shaking my head, I looked to him and then the lionesses with a half-smile. "No, I accept your terms. However, if you ever felt any sort of affection towards me Scar, as your one-time heir. Would you allow me the honour of...for this one time...roaring at the edge of pride rock, as if I were ruler, seeing as now I will never have the chance?" I looked to him with a more honest expression, hoping he would let me one last privilege before I had to leave the Pridelands.

His brow raised for a moment, then he even let out a small smile. "Treasure it as your last moment part of this kingdom." He stepped back and looked to the edge. I nodded at him and made my way up. Once he couldn't see my face, I afforded myself a smile, looking out over the rest of the Pridelands from that viewpoint. I felt a level of relief pass over me, my plan having worked. It was true, it might not have gone as smooth as I had hoped, but it was in motion and about to alert everyone else that they could stop their waiting. I trusted they would start once I was in a safer spot. "Before the sun goes down, Tishala." Scar said in a harsh tone, suggesting his impatience with me.

With his encouragement, I let out a roar, trying to reach as far as I could. Once it was finished, I turned around and looked to the ground, getting past Scar again so that I could shoot the other lionesses a slow nod, letting them know it had started. They held up on their end, not giving away anything, looking at me in mourning, losing me so soon after getting me back. I made my way past the hyenas, ignoring their growing laughter. I had no doubt that if this was for real, they would give chase after a short time. I stopped after getting a safe distance from the bottom of pride rock. Looking back to the edge I could see Scar was watching me go. I then turned around and sat down, prompting the lion king to roar out to me, "Tishala, I ordered you to leave. You have no place here. Respect the words of the king or face the consequences. Leave."

He didn't expect to hear me laughing, "Hah! You would think I would leave, wouldn't you? See, I'm not going to leave. I bought some friends with me, and I'd love for you and the hyenas to meet them all. You have met some of them before, but I think there's someone you'll see who you wouldn't think you were ever going to see again." I couldn't stop laughing as I saw his confusion and rage build. I took note of how dark the skies were at this point, having increased in density since our arrival in the Pridelands. They seemed to match Scar's mood as I saw he was about to burst with fury, but this time, I had the strength to stop him before he started, "You can't have thought I was really going to comeback alone. After all that you did to me, and more to the point, what you've done to the pride and what you call your kingdom. Someone had to come along and stop you." I shook my head, exhaling out a little harder in a stifled laughter, "Now, I'm not saying I'm going to be the one that stops you, but I found help in the right places. You won't just have me to deal with. As I speak right now, it's already too late. The help I came with, we had a plan. It's working right now, and I'll bet you didn't have a clue." I decided to add to my act, lifting a paw to groom it. I looked around to see several of the Kifalme lions had made it onto pride rock. Moments later, the reactions were heard. "Perfect."


Smirking, I took a few steps forward, knowing I had to join in. Before I could get too close, I was joined by Kiburi, who nudged me to get attention, "That was far too risky, but it worked, so well done, now come on." He started heading towards the base of pride rock, but saw I had a few questions to ask, "Simba has made his way back to my father. They will enter in the next wave. It won't be long. Now is the time, let's go." He nodded again, starting to run ahead. I joined him, darting towards our target. Before we could even get to the base, we were confronted by at least eight hyenas. I only just managed to dodge out of the way from one of their claws swiping at my head. That caused me to crash into Kiburi, who had to dodge his own set of hyenas. With that one dodge done, I was able to get a better look at them, narrowing my eyes when a couple of them went in for another charge. "Don't back down!" Kiburi ordered, bouncing away from my side as he leapt at some of the hyenas trying to initiate an attack with him. I couldn't focus on him for too long, having to dodge another attack. Of course, they laughed in response to that, seeing it as fear on my part. As soon as I had a moment, I let my claws come out and I growled towards them in a dark manner. I let my claws dig not the ground a little as if gesturing for them to try again. They were happy to oblige, three of them diving at me in an instant. As I stepped to the side, I let one of my forelegs swing across, dragging my sharp claws over some of their flesh. I could feel their skin give way to my claws, tearing through the soft tissue beneath. Even in the brief moment I was allowed to focus on it, I could see the red staining on their fur starting to grow. One of them snarled in response, a reaction to the pain.

I roared out in agony as I felt some jaws catch onto me. I hadn't noticed the fourth hyena get around to grab hold of me. I was curious as to why they didn't try going for my neck, instead hitting the back of my leg. I was fortunate it was only a scratch along there, all my movement shaking off before they were able to get a real hold of me with their jaws. I batted at its head as hard as I could, feeling the impact with each strike. I was baring my teeth at them as I went into a mad flurry of swipes. I took the opportunity to retreat far enough. I composed myself, remembering what I had been taught. I didn't want to lose control of myself, and I had to make sure I was thinking about what I did. I had a second to look over and see Kiburi was handling his group of hyenas with relative ease. He moved out of their strikes with grace, as if he knew where they were going before they did. I looked at my adversaries again and saw how they approached, readying myself for another tough fight. Shaking my head, I made sure I would keep an eye on all of them for as long as I could. Again, three of them made a charge for me, but this time, I was wise to what they would do, heading straight on for the hyena in the centre. All of us leapt at each other, but there was only going to be one victor this time. I was able to squeeze between two of them, just avoiding their claws. With the one in the centre, I leapt so that I was going lower, just enough that my head could collide with their neck, and with greater speed to my advantage, I was able to knock them onto their back, leaping off after putting a great deal of pressure on their neck with the jump away. If I could avoid it, I wouldn't be killing anyone. At the very least, I knew it would incapacitate that hyena for some time. I looked back to see that the fourth hyena was going to try the same thing as before. Seeing the three that weren't struggling for breath, I glared at them and they returned the favour. "You don't want to do this." I shook my head, letting out a couple of heavy breaths before I realised, they weren't going to stop either. After they took a few steps, I nodded, muttering to myself, "Yeah...okay. I guess I saw that coming." Just a second after speaking my last word, I had to dodge again, swiping with a paw to feel myself slicing through flesh again. I heard their pained yelps, but rather than flinch at that, I felt invigorated. I guessed it was to do with the situation I was in. If I didn't do this, then I wasn't going to be around much longer. I put their pained sounds to the back of my head, I had a task to focus on. Being forced to dodge again, I glared at the three hyenas who were causing me the problems. I had a quick glance over to see the fourth one was still gasping for breath. Since I had reduced their number, I could feel their attacks coming at me harder than before. They were frenzied with the smell of their own blood, but I knew I couldn't follow them in that. I started to notice tat when I dodged them, sometimes, in their blind attacks, they would hit each other. A part of me felt sad for them. With a couple of them dazed, I thought I would go in for a strike. However, they recovered from it quick enough that when I was close to them, I knew I wouldn't be able to avoid getting hit. I tried digging my claws into the ground to stop myself from approaching them, feeling more than a little discomfort as they dug in.

My luck just seemed to continue though. As I was about to be struck down by two of the hyenas, I heard a couple of roars, and before I knew it, a couple of Kifalme lionesses took down the hyenas right in front of me, pinning them down before finishing their job. I looked over to see the one I had injured had been put out of its misery. The last remaining one turned tail and headed for pride rock, although very soon was being chased by one of the same lionesses that just saved me. The other, a lioness I had trained with, but never learned the name of, stepped closer to me, a blood-soaked maw, "Your majesty, are you okay?" She asked, getting a nod from me. She took the answer and looked ahead to where Kiburi was only dealing with a single hyena now, having had some help from another lion of the Kifalme pride. "We can't stop. We need to keep going." I had no other response than to nod again, both myself and the other lioness heading towards pride rock, finally reaching the base. Again, we were greeted by more hyenas, although many were in their own fights, so we only had one to deal with each. "To your left!" She called out, letting me see the open space where I would have the advantage over the hyena. I leapt to the space, the hyena following and nearly grabbing my tail in its snapping jaws. I turned and snarled, swiping with my claws. Even though I missed, I could see the hyena wasn't as ready for the attack as they thought.

With just the two of us, we circled for a moment before the hyena made the charge at me. I waited until the last moment to try and headbutt. To my surprise though she was able to move out the way just as well as I could have had the roles been reversed. This hyena wasn't stupid. She cackled as we faced off again, allowing herself a taunting expression. Seeing I was a young lioness, she thought she would be able to coax me into a rage, but after what happened when I was fighting off four, I knew I couldn't let it happen. Even with one hyena, I had to stay alert, and this one was clever, so I really couldn't allow my mind to wander. Just as we were about to collide again, I felt somewhat cooled off by something. Again, then again. Without needing to look up, I could feel that it had started to rain, albeit a light rain. With my eyes narrowed, I dragged one of my claws against the rock, hearing the scratching sound coming from it, perking my senses again. Neither of us said a word, but the looks we were giving each other spoke volumes. I knew I didn't want to end anyone's life. She knew I didn't either, but she was willing to do it. In fact, looking into her eyes, I could see how much she wanted to do that to me. I thought back to my time in the Pridelands under Scar's rule. How many hyenas would be thinking like that about me in particular? I guessed she was one that held a great deal of resentment for me. We launched at each other, coming out even. As we pushed against each other, I was caught off guard by her, watching as she turned her head to snap her jaws at my front leg. It was only by pure luck that she missed, pulling a few hairs out. My reaction was to pull myself away, getting the distance between us again. I was wide-eyed, looking at my saved leg in shock, then back at the hyena who let out an uproarious laughter, knowing how close she had gotten. A second later, she changed it to a frustrated gnash of her teeth, knowing how close she had gotten. We both knew that if she managed to get me, that could have been all over for me.

With that knowledge, her eyes narrowed, and she went in again. I could still feel the shock running through my system. I stepped back a couple of paces, making sure we were still the only two in this fight. I had hoped someone else was coming in to save me again. To no avail though. I released a shaky breath, knowing that she could see the fear from me. This was all becoming a bit too much for me. It was like I was mourning for the near loss of function in my limb. The injury would have meant I couldn't retaliate, so this hyena would be responsible for my demise. The thought of going down, regardless of who it was to, it didn't sit right with me. After a couple more unsteady breaths, I let the cooling drops of rain help calm me. I grit my teeth and narrowed my eyes again. Even if I didn't want to end a life, I felt that in this situation, there was only going to be one of two results. Only one of us was going to come out of this. The hyena had accepted it, and finally, I had too. The pressure I felt in the battle had lifted a little, allowing me to let loose, snarling as I darted towards her. She had expected my moves before, but this time, having seen the fear in my eyes, she thought I had folded, given in to her. She didn't expect me to lunge in like I did, the two of us rolling away a couple of times as both of us got our paws onto each other. After a few attacks like this, I saw she was becoming more ragged as she lifted herself up. I felt more energy surging through me than before and made sure I was right by her as she stood up. The moment I could, I took advantage of her almost groggy state, eliciting a panicked yelp from her as my jaws clamped around her neck. Her calm demeanour had faded in a flash once I had the upper hand. I sunk my teeth in, getting a taste for the resulting blood loss that came when I let go. I was just thankful I made it quick. I didn't feel comfortable with what I just did, but I knew if I didn't do it, then she was going to do it to me without hesitation. It was too hard for me to look at the body though, so I turned my back on it straight away.

There was no time for me to get over it though, two more hyenas blocking my path to ascend pride rock further. Sighing, I dropped my head for a second, "Where do you keep coming from?" I glared back to them, seeing they weren't going to back down either. However, upon closer inspection, they weren't the same level of intellect that their fallen ally was. I steadied myself for another battle, letting them dive in at me. I dodged one and headbutted the other in the chest. That one was a lot heavier, but I still managed to knock him onto his back, giving me the clear path to get to the main part of pride rock. There wasn't a point I could look from, seeing if I could spot anyone I knew to help them out. So far, I hadn't seen any of the Pridelands lionesses help, though I couldn't blame them if they didn't feel up to the task. They had endured enough and didn't need to be involved in this battle. I had no doubt Sarabi made sure they were safe from the danger. Growling with frustration, I made the decision to head up, closer to the edge of pride rock, knowing the raised part would give me the vantage point I needed.

Looking around, I could see several lions and lionesses taking on hordes of hyenas. They were fighting them off with success, although I also witnessed some of our injured being surrounded. They couldn't all be helped, and I couldn't have jumped from that height to defend them. I was lucky I didn't need to, watching as they all managed to get saved by others, even seeing Kiburi leap in just in time to stop a lioness from being overwhelmed by a large group of hyenas. This had provided me with enough distraction that I didn't notice three hyenas cornering me where I stood. I looked back to see I didn't have much room to back up, unless I wanted to fall off the edge of pride rock. One took a swipe at me. Rather than dodge, I met their paw with mine, using enough force to push them back in line with the other two. "We should have finished you when you were a cub. Scar wouldn't have cared really." One of them taunted, the other two licking their lips as they continued to approach. I didn't back up, holding my ground in front of them. I even forced them back a little when I mocked a charge in, knowing that they held a small amount of fear towards me.

Responding to their taunt, I growled in response, "You should have. You're too late now." I whacked the one furthest to the right on the head, using enough force that they stumbled against their ally, all of them tripping a little, nearly knocking one off the side of this high point. It would have injured them enough that they wouldn't recover. It almost felt as if my luck ran out though when the one in the centre grabbed the tripping hyena by the ear, preventing their fatal fall. After they recovered, all three started laughing in a mad manner, unnerving me as they started advancing again, and I couldn't help but take a step back. They took a note of this but didn't move with me. They knew I was in trouble.

"Ya see, I don't think we are too late. I think we're just at the right time. Before it was too easy. But now, well, now it feels like we've earned it." They giggled amongst each other, nodding and agreeing with one another. "Ya gotta know a lotta hyenas never liked ya. None of us cared about ya, neither. We just didn't do anything because Scar was making sure he could trust us. We didn't let him down. You did that. You let Scar down, so now, you're fair game." He grinned, the two hyenas beside him approaching with a menacing look in their eyes. One of them continued laughing as they approached, making my heart sink a little bit. I didn't know what else I could do. I had a quick look back to see how little space I had before I was facing a sheer drop. Seeing them get closer, I nodded, staying calm even in the dire situation. I looked between them, seeing the hyena at the centre join them as they stalked towards me. The central one cackled, "Look at that, she thinks she can scare us by stayin' put." He continued, almost collapsing with laughter. I knew that was my moment, lunging at them with both my paws out, claws on display. The surprise of it caught them off guard, sending them stumbling back. It gave me more room to work with, even if it gave them the same advantage. I didn't feel as uncomfortable seeing solid ground around me.

Between the hyenas and I, there was a few clear metres. They still had the territory advantage over me, as well as the numbers advantage, but I felt that it was more level than before, my confidence rising as they focused on me again. I spoke before any of them could, "I'm doing more than thinking I can scare you. Now I know I can." I lowered myself, ready to attack as the three of them did the same, all four of us glowering at our respective opponent. "Now come on, let's try this again, shall we?"

My taunt didn't have time to garner a response though, as a voice shouted through the rain that was starting to get a little heavier, "Don't you dare lay a claw on her!" The voice boomed. Before I knew it, two lionesses battered past the hyenas, turning and standing in front of me, a wall of protection. In an instant, I realised who these two were. Sarafina and Nala had jumped to my aid. Nala, in the time I'd gone, had also grown a decent amount, sizing up well alongside her mother. The two of them were more than capable of handling the hyenas. With their help though, I stood in line with them, my claws coming out again as we all readied ourselves to attack the hyenas, or at least I though that's what we were doing. Sarafina spoke up again, a snappy tone as she looked at me for a second, "Nala and I can handle these. Do what you have to do." She ordered, nodding at Nala, leading to those two lunging at the hyenas, scattering them enough that there was a gap for me to run through. "Tishala, go!" She roared, using a powerful strike to knock one of the hyenas away, seeing her daughter do the same.

The opportunity didn't go to waste, finding the chance to slip by all of them. I looked around again to see there were more Pridelands lionesses now. Not only had our second wave of attack come, but so to had the Pridelanders. Shaking myself from the wonder of what was taking place, I looked towards the den, thinking I may be able to find Scar in there. Avoiding another confrontation on my way, I was able to get into the den. The darkened sky overhead meant that there was no light getting in. That wasn't a problem, being a lion, though it wasn't as easy to see as it would have been if it were lighter. I padded further inside, scanning the area for any signs of the lion who was my main target. I knew I wasn't going to be the one to end Scar's reign when it came to it, but I wanted to confront him myself. I had gone right into the depths of the den but found nothing there. I growled in anger, swiping away at a loose stone in the den, knocking it along the ground. My eyed widened when I heard it being stopped. It only caught my attention because it didn't skid to a stop. Someone else stopped it. Looking in the direction I hit the stone, I saw a pair of eyes looking right back at me. With a little more time, I could see it was a hyena. He leapt at me, but not with enough force, allowing me to dodge out of the way. When I looked back to where he was though, I saw another hyena with him. I could feel my heart rate increase, fear starting to grow inside me. I knew they could see just as well in the dark as I could. It scared me to think they had followed me in without me knowing. Again, I was charged at, both of them coming at me in the same way. I was able to dodge again, without too much effort. However, looking to both of them, I saw another had joined them. It was like they knew what they were doing.

Each time they charged, they missed, but revealed another hyena inside with me. I was starting to feel very outnumbered, trapped by them all. Before too long, I must have had at least nine in there with me. Once they all revealed themselves, they started to scatter throughout the den, blocking off any attempt I made of an exit. The rain getting heavier outside and the sounds of the battles going on meant that my hearing was compromised. I looked around me and swallowed, having to evade each individual attack as I found it difficult to keep up with all nine in a space that was feeling smaller by the second. The last thing I wanted was for more of them to join. For a moment, they stopped, and even with my sight in the darkness, I couldn't see any of them around. All I could hear were the noises from outside. With a few careful steps, I made may way over to a raised platform within the den, hoping I would be able to see them from a higher point. Looking around again, I felt anxiety, knowing they were still in there, but for some reason they were able to hide themselves even better than before.

Leaping up to the platform, I got enough grip as I started to hoist myself up. However, before I could get up, I felt the impact of someone slamming into my side, knocking me off, onto my back. When I opened my eyes after the impact on the ground, I was met with the open mouth of a hyena, just about to crunch their jaws on me. I screamed, reacting as fast as I could to push them off with my back legs. I was so close to being injured there that I could feel the impact of those jaws closing. There was zero interest on my part in looking what my push had done. The second I was up though; I was pushed with brutal force to stumble off to the side. The stumble itself turned out to be lucky because I was able to dodge another attempt at being bitten. Just as I thought I'd recovered; I was shoved from the other side. I thought fast and used the momentum to knock a hyena away from me, causing a yelp. I looked around me, seeing the hyenas had me surrounded. Only when I looked ahead did I almost fall backwards, screaming again as a hyena was right in my face again. Out of pure fear, I swiped at them, knocking them away, having to dodge another bite aimed at my back legs. Each time they went for me, I was let out small yelps or screams. I cursed myself for doing that, knowing the likelihood was that I would be alerting more of them to where I was.

Completing a full circle, it became clear that all of them had me trapped. Making things worse for me, I could see the exit of the den behind one of the hyenas, though I didn't dare focus on there for too long. I was forced to watch as they started closing in around me, trying to hold them back with false swings of my claws. They may have stepped back, but a moment later they were coming in closer again. I shook my head, refusing to believe it was going to end like this. I couldn't see any way out of it though, so I was snarling at them through teary eyes, fighting back the urge to just break down. I let out an angered roar as I went full strength at one of them, knocking them to the ground with a hard smack being heard. The fact the others could back them up though meant that even they were able to rise up again, striking the same pose as the others to trap me further.

Just as I was about to give it all up, I heard another roar announce itself in the den, and before I knew it, Kiburi was by my side, the two of us moving so we were back-to-back, able to take on the hyenas now with the lightened load, even if it was still going to be difficult. I was no longer surrounded on all sides, so the two of us worked together, moving in sync with each other to avoid attacks and then throw our own back at them. No words were exchanged, but just as we had said to each other before, we had one another's backs. There was no better time for him to show up than in that moment, both of us striking a hyena down and then switching sides to give a sturdy butt of our heads to another one of them. If we weren't having to fight for our lives, I might have been able to stop and feel proud of what we were doing. I worried that stopping to say something would break our flow. It was pretty clear how much stronger he was than me, so I was grateful to be on his side as I watched him bat away one of the hyenas like they weighed nothing. To be able to do the same thing, I had to work harder. Soon enough, we broke from each other, both going in for a fatal blow on our respective targets. In the heat of the moment, I had become desensitised to the impact of my jaws around another living being's throat. I couldn't waste much time thinking about it though, retreating back to Kiburi as we took on their dwindling numbers. Even with the damage we caused, we could still hear their crazed voices, lost in the throes of a bloodlust. A couple of them started laughing even louder, drowning out even the sound of the heavy rain outside. I looked at Kiburi as he returned the worried expression, we both grew, working out that their laughter was actually being used to call more hyenas in. We knew if many more came in, we didn't stand a chance, even with Kiburi's strength and skill to help.

Our efforts doubled, targeting one hyena each as we made for the kill. Our first targets were the two who were calling for backup. There was still a chance they hadn't been heard because of all the chaos taking place outside the den, so I gave Kiburi a silent signal, telling him to go for one of them whilst I provided a distraction. I lunged at one of the hyenas, trying to strike them down. I made contact and forced them off to the side a little distance. Of course, I knew the others would go to their ally's aid, trying to charge in on me. However, I was aware of their tactic and was able to dodge out the way by a comfortable margin. I took a quick second to count how many I had after me and realised that Kiburi would be dealing with one more than he would have wanted. However, I heard some of the laughter cut out, not even needing to look back to know what had happened. Even with all those hyenas looking at me with anger in their eyes, I could stare back at them without feeling worried. One more lunged, letting me meet it head on so I could knock it back into its friends. I winced at the pain the head-on-head impact caused, a small amount of throbbing on the exact spot I hit with, but it was nothing that could slow me down.

Backing up a bit, I bumped into Kiburi, finding out he had also been backing away. I took a chance to see what he was seeing, feeling my heart sink when it was revealed that more hyenas were entering the den, closing off any exit for us. The worst that could have happened, was happening at that moment. I bumped Kiburi and gestured he get up against one of the den walls with me. At least that way, they didn't have a fourth direction to attack from. With our backs against the wall, we both prepared ourselves for a final stand, knowing we couldn't handle this many hyenas at once.

Just as fast as we had found ourselves in that position, we had been given a way out. Behind the main line of hyenas, we heard some yelps, causing confusion and the enemies to look between themselves. Then out of nowhere, Fikiria and a few lionesses clawed their way past the hyenas. I felt a wave of relief hit me, not for the first time during this battle. A further indication of the awful conditions outside was the fact their fur was soaked, Fikiria's mane even heavier than Kiburi's when weighed down by all that water. The younger prince told the lionesses to hold off anymore hyenas coming in. He marched up to Kiburi and I, dropping his serious expression for a moment to smile at us, "Thank the great kings you're okay. Kiburi, Tishala, dad and Simba have gone after Scar. Tishala, you should go help, because we have enough to deal with down here, but we don't know what else they could be up against. The lionesses and I will be able to handle the hyenas here. Kiburi, help Tishala get out of the den and then come back and help me. Brother, we need to take them on together." His teal eyes shot through to his brother, for once the energy between them not being challenging or sarcastic. They both knew the importance of working together in this moment. They nodded to each other before Fikiria stepped aside, Kiburi nudging me to get moving with him.

At the defensive line of lionesses, we could see how many hyenas were trying to sneak into the den but were being held off for the moment. Kiburi found a break in their line and pushed forwards with me so we could force our way out of the den, a couple of the lionesses joining us to help make sure we were able to get past any hyena that tried to stop us. "Okay, Tishala, you heard my brother. You need to find my father and Simba and help them in any way you can. We can deal with the hyenas, okay? Everyone here is working together. Now go, you need to do this!" He shouted out to me above the pouring rain, a few fights between hyenas and lions passing by us, although we were fortunate, they ignored us. Before I could reply to Kiburi though, I saw that he had turned around and joined in helping Fikiria out as well as the lionesses with them. I was rushed too much to even see who they were. I gave myself a moment for composure, knowing I would need it for where I was headed.

Looking from left to right, amongst the chaos, I didn't know where to go. I realised I had been told what Simba and Nguvu were doing, but I had not been told where they were doing it. I started to feel my panic rise, uneasy with the fact I hadn't had another attempt on my life yet. I was waiting for it, but it was like it was never meant to happen in that moment. From my point of view, I was able to see what Kiburi was saying. I saw Prideland and Kifalme lionesses working together. Some of the Kifalme lions had come to a Pridelander's aid, bashing away some of the hyenas that may have been closing in on them. Whilst I could see plenty of carnage, it was looking pretty clear to me that we were starting to turn the tide in our favour, even if the hyenas had greater numbers. I was able to see Sarabi in action, slamming a paw down onto a hyena, taking it to the ground. She didn't even look worried as another lunged at her. In a second, it was revealed why. She knew that another lioness was ready to counter that attack, tackling it away. The two lionesses re-joined after, where it was revealed to me that the lioness working with Sarabi was Winda. I wanted to smile and appreciate the teamwork between two strangers, but remembered I had my own mission to get on with. I gave another quick scan around, seeing Nala and Sarafina were indeed able to deal with the hyenas they had stopped from defeating me. I didn't see the three that they took on when defending me, suggesting to me that they had already finished with them. Again, I found myself lost, looking at the scene. Claws were flying, jaws were snapping, there was almost a constant sound of growls and snarls as the two different kinds fought each other in a way that suggested neither side was going to stop until the bitter end. The fact both were willing to sacrifice everything for what they wanted was heartening in one way but worrying in another. I wanted to yell for everyone to stop. I wanted to find a compromise. However, this deep into it, compromises were gone. All that anyone was going to see was bloodshed. Even in the high-pressure situation we were all in, I made a mental note to myself that I wouldn't involve myself in a war again. I would do whatever I could to avoid it. Thinking about this one, even in that moment, it made me feel guilty. I was the reason this was happening. If I didn't find Simba, then I wouldn't have dragged another pride into war. In my mind, any lives lost were on me. At the same time, I had to shake myself from those thoughts, reminding myself that if I didn't do that, then I was just going to prolong the suffering of the Pridelands. It wouldn't just be the lions that I knew, but all the animals that called the land home. Damage had already been done, but I wanted to make sure I could stop anymore from happening, even if winning this war was only part of the solution.

Looking for a way to go, I couldn't decide. That was when I felt a familiar gust of air circle around me. Of all moments for it to appear, I couldn't have been happier to feel it there. With an odd sense of calm, I was able to feel the direction it was trying to tug me in. I headed off to the side of pride rock, starting to ascend as well. I could feel my nerves grow as the rain picked up even more, drenching me as I continued to follow the guiding wind.

Even through the help the wind was giving me, I found it difficult to follow along, strong gusts of wind keeping me unsteady on my paws. The rain meant that I couldn't see as clear as I would have liked ahead of me, or behind me. That turned out to be a danger for me, as I didn't spot the two hyenas making a charge at me as I tried to make my way up pride rock. Letting out a small yelp, I just about managed to dodge out the way, but in doing so, I wobbled over the edge of the path I was walking on. I looked down to see how high up I was. It wouldn't have been a pleasant fall, that's for sure. Just as I was able to get myself balanced again, the two hyenas were making their way back to me, giggling between themselves. I had nowhere to dodge this time, their attack coming in wider than before. With one more look out over the edge again, I felt my claws come out as my strength built.

In a single, well-timed swing, I knocked both of them off balance, hitting one into the other. It didn't stop them from getting to me, although their hit was only a glancing blow. The direction I had them stumbling in meant they started to tumble off the edge of the path I nearly slipped from. I took a look over to see them hit the ground. The weather played a cruel trick on me, another gust nearly knocking me off balance enough that I joined the hyenas on the ground below. After recovering from that, I took a moment to calm down again, still circled by the guiding breeze I had gotten used to.

Looking back to where the main battle was taking place on the primary rock or around pride rock, I could see how much I had climbed up. It may not have looked like much from where they were, but from my point of view, I could see it all, far easier than before. The heavy rainfall kept coming, bringing in a sort of white noise, disconnecting me from the scene I was looking at. It seemed for that moment; the rain was letting me see beyond a short distance. I could just about make out lionesses that I knew. Nala, Sarafina, Sarabi and Winda were all working together to take on some more of the hyenas. I could see none of them were holding back at all. It was a fight to the death down there. In my head, I knew that it was going to turn into that, and it made me despair for both sides. I dreaded to think of what the aftermath might look like, regardless of the victor. Seeing those four working together highlighted to me that the three Pridelander lionesses trusted Winda in that moment, as if they had known her all their lives. It didn't matter if they hadn't met before, they were going to look out for each other until they were allowed to relax. Observing their movements amazed me, because Winda fit into every move without any trouble, like they had rehearsed each move they were going to attack the hyenas with. The moment someone had been going on the offensive for too long, she would get back within the group and allow another of their group to attack instead whilst the others defended her. From what I could see, they were making light work of the hyenas, even if their numbers were greater. For those lionesses, it didn't seem to matter. Even in the brutality of the scene, I noticed that they didn't go for a killing blow unless they same hyena came back for more. I watched it happen once, seeing the pattern emerge,I had to look away after that.

My attention was thrown straight back to the task when I heard tell-tale laughter ahead of me, followed by a roll of thunder. My ears perked and I started running through the heavy rain and high winds to get a close enough look. A flash of lightening stopped me but illuminated a scene in front of me for a moment. Not too far in the distance, I could see Nguvu taking on three hyenas. I didn't need to get a closer look at them to know which hyenas they were. I heard some laughter again and knew it was Ed. If that was Ed, then it meant Shenzi and Banzai were with him. From what I was able to see, Nguvu was handling them without too much problem, although from his growls, I could tell they were becoming an annoyance. Knowing I had the wind going against me, the hyenas wouldn't be able to smell me coming, and the deluge would have stopped them from seeing me. I crouched down low and stalked my way forwards, making sure I didn't get too close that they would be able to see me. I was aware that their hearing would be affected by the rain in addition to them being preoccupied fighting off the king of Kifalme pride.

Another flash of lighting gave the opportunity needed. I locked onto a target and leapt forwards, claws out as I dived in at full speed, throwing all my weight into it. I made contact, the two of us eliciting a small grunt in response, followed by the two of us sounding out our struggle before I was able to pin down the hyena. Once we had settled on it, I felt my fury grow when I saw I had Shenzi pinned. She looked surprised as much as she looked frightened. My teeth were borne at her, threatening to clamp onto her. "Shenzi!" I shouted, snarling in her face, moving one of my paws so it was pressed on her throat. "Stop helping Scar!" I demanded, knowing that it would take more than that.

There wasn't so much pressure on her throat at that point, but Shenzi was smart enough that she didn't risk herself by trying to fight back. Our eyes met and fixed on each other, "Why should we?"

Feeling my anger build, I leant in, narrowing my eyes toward her, "Because he doesn't care about you. He's using you to get what he wants. That's not how you want to live, surely?" I argued, pressing down a little more, though I stopped once I realised what I was doing.

Shaking her head, Shenzi shit me an angered look, "Scar ain't great, yeah, but he at least let us into the Pridelands. The kings before chased us out before we could even do anything. We have eaten much better since coming here. Sure, it's slowed down a little bit now, but none of it is gonna be helped by different lions taking over!" She tried to push back, but to no avail, getting pressed down to the ground again. I didn't even flinch in doing that, keeping my eyes narrowed at her.

"After what happened, Shenzi, you all owe me. Scar is not yours to defend. Nguvu will beat all three of you as well. I need to get to Scar. You aren't going to stop me. The moment you try to, I will make sure you can't get away again." Pressing down on her throat again, this time I was deliberate, watching the hyena's leader struggle for breath as I got closer, able to hear her sucking in what air she could as I spoke right into one of her ears, "Call off your attack. Get Banzai and Ed to stop attacking Nguvu. They will die if you don't. If you can, get all the other hyenas to stop attacking as well. Make sure you get far enough away." Lifting my head, I watched her struggle for air, but take in the words I said. Looking at her, the fear in her eyes was clear. She wanted to live more than anything. After making a guttural sound, the matriarch of the hyenas nodded. "I'm going to let go, but if you try anything, I will make sure to put you back in the same position. Don't make me regret this, Shenzi." My words came out in a dark tone, letting the hyena know that my conditions must be met. She nodded again.

Lifting my paw in a slow motion, Shenzi lifted her head and gasped for a lungful of air, sucking it up a few times before sitting up and looking to me with a hurt expression once I had taken a step back. Both of us looked to where Nguvu was really starting to overwhelm Banzai and Ed. I nodded at Shenzi, gesturing she get it done. "Boys we gotta go!" She yelled, just about audible above the pouring rain. It got the attention of Nguvu in addition to Ed and Banzai. The king of Kifalme pride gave me a look of approval, then turned to growl at the hyenas again, causing them to tremble as they rushed to Shenzi's side. I glared at her one more time, huffing out as Nguvu joined me in closing in on them. "We're outta here, let's go!" She grabbed them before all three of them scuttled down pride rock.

Neither Nguvu nor I looked long enough to see they had gone, but at the rate they left, we knew we wouldn't see them again. "Nguvu, how much further ahead is Simba?" I asked, feeling my worries return.

The large lion looked away, peering up the path I had yet to go. I hadn't noticed to start with, but the rain had slowed a little, making it easier for me to see where he was pointing, "He and Scar are further up there. I would have helped him if I wasn't trying to stop those hyenas from getting to Simba. In truth, there is not much more that I can do. I will hold off anymore hyenas if they come, but I don't feel I have the strength for much more. Go, help Simba." He urged, his breathing remaining heavy as it appeared fighting the hyenas had taken a lot of energy from him. Nodding, I started to make my way, but was stopped by his voice again, "Tishala, remember; it must be Simba who strikes the final blow. Do whatever you can to help him and make sure that happens. Good luck." His voice was serious, his actions even more so. The great king turned his back to me, keeping watch on the only path that could be used to catch up to me. For a moment, I paused, telling myself that this was it. This was the moment everyone had been working towards. I just hoped I hadn't come in to help Simba too late. The worst that could happen was his defeat before he even had a chance. I felt my heart ache at the thought of it. Putting that to one side though, I reminded myself I had to get there first.

With the wind picking up, I powered through, the guiding breeze returning as if to provide a boost to my energy. Despite the grim scene around me and the building tension, I felt a sense of calm. I knew everything was alright, at least for the moment.

Just as I reached a plateau, I could see Scar and Simba. Simba wasn't faring well, like he was backed into a corner. As if I was being helped by the elements, I charged through the rain, the wind blowing against me, allowing me to dive into Scar just before he was going to make a crucial lunge at Simba. The surprise of my attack was clear, winding Scar to the point I was able to leap away and get to Simba's side, "Are you okay?" I asked, getting him to nod. I felt a small wave of relief pass over me, knowing Simba was still unharmed.

We watched Scar lift himself up, looking uncomfortable with it in the conditions that were swirling around us all. "My former heiress." He spat, his green eyes glowering at me, "A traitorous wretch." He growled, starting to approach with heavy steps.

Rather than step back, I stepped forwards, Simba following. We knew we had to stand together, "Scar, it's over. We have you beat. Scar, you lost." I shouted to him, the high winds making it difficult to hear much. Looking over to him though, I could see he heard me. "We don't have to do it like this though, Scar. We can end this without violence...without death. We can do that, Scar, if you just abdicate." I grot my teeth, knowing how small the chance was that he would accept any of this. The three of us stayed in continuous motion; Simba and I moving together and Scar opposite, but all of us moving in a large circle. We kept it up for what felt like an age before I tried speaking again, seeing if I could get a response other than his death glare, "Scar, please, we don't want to do this. If you would just listen, then we won't have to. Please, just abdicate, and then I will do my best to make sure you can get away unharmed. I'll even try to help find you an acceptable place for you to live out the rest of your days. Simba and I can't allow that to be in the Pridelands, but I will make sure you can live in comfort." A sigh escaped me as I finished speaking, realising it was close to pointless to try reasoning with him.

That extra speech did get a response though. All of us stopped pacing in a circle, letting us stay still as we kept our eyes on each other, "I admire your will to avoid violence here, Tishala. Perhaps if you hadn't started the bloodshed, then maybe I could have listened to you." He growled; his voice raised as he spoke over the wind.

Shaking my head, I responded, "You and I both know that wouldn't have been the case Scar. I thought if we had you cornered you might be convinced to leave your position. The duty of ruling the Pridelands is no longer yours. Simba and I will take it from here." I explained, trying to remain calm.

Scar made no such attempt at remaining calm, my last comments hitting a nerve within, "After all that I did for you, Tishala. I named you my heir, I trained you, I taught you. All in attempt to make you a ruler that the Pridelands needed. I should have known you were nothing but trouble from the day you arrived here. Even when giving you my wisdom, you always seemed reluctant. To think, for a moment, I believed there was a kindred spirit that I could have some connection with." He seemed almost sad when he spoke abut that, like I had let him down. His features soured and showed his fury when he started again, his words spitting rage, "Then today I see you for the first time in moons, and not only do I find out that my nephew isn't dead, but you found your way to be his queen as well. I should have done the job myself." His lips curled as his energy levels rose, his claws already out, but dragging across the ground as he broke the circle, stalking towards us. "You are a vile creature, Tishala." He snarled.

Just as we backed away, Simba spoke to me, "There's no point trying to help him. I tried before you got here as well." I looked at him with a little bit of surprise, "I know he's done awful things, but he's still my uncle. I had to give him the choice, but now, I think Nguvu is right. This won't end if we let him get away." All the time Simba spoke, Scar got closer to us. Neither of us looked away from him. I felt a small flashback to those green eyes that forced me up in cold sweats from the nightmares they induced. For a second I was frozen, but the moment Scar leapt at us, Simba and I jumped out the way, each taking a different direction.

With both of us split up, Scar didn't know who to target, Simba and I shooting each other a quick nod, knowing what we were going to do. Simba ran in close, as if he were going to attack, getting his uncle's attention. At the same time, I ran in to a different angle. As Scar was about to take a swipe at Simba, I managed to land a small hit, taking the king's attention away from his nephew. Scar growled and changed his direction to attack me, but I was just out of reach at that point, allowing Simba to get his own hit in. The Pridelands' king showed his frustration with a pained roar. Despite this, he was none the wise when we tried it again, faking out a couple of charges so he couldn't guess when the actual attack was coming. The two of us switched sides ahead of him a few times, trying to confuse Scar.

With as well as it was going, I forgot about how much my muscles were screaming for a break. I couldn't think about that, knowing one wrong move would put Simba and I in serious danger. Giving another signal to each other, Simba and I charged in from both sides, forcing Scar to make a choice. My eyes widened when I saw he had committed to going for Simba. With that, I doubled my efforts, getting there faster, allowing me to tackle down the king's paw, making it move as he wanted, but forcing him to attack too early. The force of it did send me a few feet away though, rolling. With my rain drenched fur, I stood up in time to see Simba land his own hit on his uncle, dodging out the way fast enough he could get some distance again.

Although Scar chased him down, I had already gotten in the way, letting the lion crash into me. We both grunted as he landed on me, but before he could land a blow on me, Simba swiped at his face, allowing both of us to escape to a safer distance, "Is this how you want things to be between family, Simba?" He tried toning down his anger as he spoke, a devious smirk on his face as we both panted from our exertions. "You and I, we're family. Family don't hurt each other like this." I could see what he was doing, not letting up on my frown at him.

Even if it wasn't for me to intervene in a normal situation, this was anything but, "It's a bit late to be saying that Scar, considering you have been trying to kill us. We have both offered you a way out. You didn't take it." I argued, growling as he tried stepping closer again.

"Is this how you want to live, Simba? You want to live, knowing you killed your uncle? You want to live, others answering your questions for you? How could you hope to be king if that's the case?" He quizzed, and when I looked to Simba, I could see a moment of hesitation in him, like his doubtful self was returning.

This time, I couldn't speak for him. I couldn't even ask if he was okay, "You tried to have me killed! You thought I was dead. You knew that you were the reason behind it as well! Tishala is right, it's too late to try and convince me otherwise. You don't respect the circle of life. You damage it, abuse it. I know that those who respect it also help those who don't, but Scar, I can't do that for you. Not after everything you have done to me, my family, and the Pridelands." He roared back, the emotions of it all hitting him hard. Even in the downpour, I could see he had tears.

Feeling for him, I closed the gap between us, pressing my head into his mane, trying to comfort the hurting lion. He returned it, crying a little bit as I held onto him.

In reality, that was a stupid move.

We both let our guards down, and before we knew it, we heard Scar's roar. The lion had leapt at us in the moment we decided to embrace. It really was a stupid move on my part, and I could see it costing us the moment I saw Scar launching at us. We couldn't move out the way in time, so instead, we were left watching as he got closer. It was like everything went in slow motion as Scar landed just in front of us, using a big swipe of a paw to knock Simba away, sending him several metres away on the ground. I could feel the weight of the impact, worrying for Simba's safety at that moment. The next moment though, I was worrying for mine.

Scar was stood in front of me, glaring down with his teeth bared. I didn't know how conscious Simba was, but I didn't want to join him on the ground. If I did, I knew neither of us had a chance. I was able to see he was still awake, although groggy. Seeing that, I knew I just had to give Simba enough time.

Steeling myself, I stood firm in front of Scar, trying to match him for confidence if I couldn't do it for stature. "You don't scare me, Scar." I growled, getting my claws out, ready to defend myself, because I knew he was going to attack, even if he was going to indulge in some dialogue beforehand. "I've taken a hit from you before; I can do it again. This time though, I will hit back." I warned.

Scar didn't say anything at first, instead raising a brow as his expression shifted to become more menacing, "Perhaps you should be scared of me." He grumbled out, his throat bubbling up another dark growl as he lifted a paw to start his first attack on me. It became more dynamic just a moment later, the lion actually lunging at me with his paw. I was just about able to dodge it, using my claws for grip on the ground. The immense amount of rain had meant the surface had become a little slippery. Just as soon as I had avoided one of his attacks, I had to do the same with another, then another after that.

For a long time, I spent all my time just having to duck, dive, weave my way away from Scar's attacks, building frustration for the king. Each time he missed, he grew angrier, more intent on making the next blow the last one. The only thing keeping me going as strong as I was able to, was the adrenaline coursing through my veins, making my reactions that little bit faster that they needed to be to be able to avoid his hits. I knew if they connected, I wouldn't be able to save myself any longer. As he kept up his assault on me, I could hear him muttering what he wanted to say to me, but only saying it in time with his panting breaths, "This is going to hurt more than the pathetic little slap I gave you one time." He snarled, as if his intentions weren't already clear to me.

He had me struggling, knowing I had nowhere to run as my adrenaline was starting to wear off. The rain had picked up again, meaning that I struggled to see anything beyond Scar stalking towards me. I looked to my left and saw a small rock I could stand on, putting me a little higher up as I tried to remain a threat to him. Even with how tired I was, I kept my energy fixed on the task, glaring at the lion as he approached. Knowing I only had one chance, I leapt at him, throwing an attack at the same time he did.

The impact I felt was instant. I could feel the force he was hitting me with. He was right, it was much harder than when he hit me in the past. I cried out in pain, but pushed through to complete my own attack, making contact with his scar, even scratching over his eye before I was sent several metres away. I grit my teeth, wincing in pain as I hit my head on the ground, making me dizzy and my vision a little blurred. I let out a frustrated growl as I realised my claw hadn't dug into his eye when scratching him there, giving nothing more than a scare to the lion. It only served to enrage him further though, a wild scream in anger coming from him as he lost all inhibition, starting to frenzy as he stalked closer to me again. I strained on the ground, trying to get myself up, but as I did, another heavy strike hit me, knocking me away again. It winded me, finally forcing my muscles to give in and stop working for me. All I could do was watch with hazy vision as I could see Scar get close to me. His breathing was ragged, uneven. He allowed himself a small chuckle, changing it to a vicious snarl, snapping at me. The fear in my eyes was all he would need to see. After all the fighting I had to do, my body had given up. Two strong hits from the lion king and I couldn't do anymore. My head throbbed in pain from the impact of the first hit on the ground. Even my hearing had been affected, not helping with the fact I couldn't get up. I could only just about feel the rain soaking into my fur, weighing my tired body down even more. "Tishala." He panted, lifting a paw to move me, exposing my neck for an easy target for his claws. "You disappointed me." I knew this was it. He was going to end everything I worked for here.

Just as he was about to throw down the final strike, I didn't even have the energy to close my eyes. However, before he could do that, he was met with a furious roar, then a large figure standing between me and him. It wasn't Nguvu though. I could tell from the ferocity of that roar it was Kiburi. The prince had jumped in and saved my life again. I struggled to stay awake, watching their conflict. Scar was caught by surprise from the new opponent, but he still threw everything he had at Kiburi.

To me, they were both smudges that could move in my field of vision, clarity of sight coming in and out from time to time. I couldn't move my head to follow them, just groaning as I could just about make their figures out through the torrential storm. The clearest moment came when I saw both lions up on their hind legs to attack each other, illuminated by a burst of lightning. I felt the impact of one of them falling in time with a rumble of thunder. The next thing I saw was both of them facing each other, a small distance away from me. The shape I made out to be Kiburi looked fresher than the other, in terms of their movement. I could tell that the younger lion was able to hit Scar hard, making the older lion start to feel tired. His fatigue became clearer with his ragged movement and desperate attacks that had little thought to them. Kiburi said nothing as they fought, only letting out the occasional grunt as they struck each other. From my blurred vision, I couldn't be sure, but it didn't look like Kiburi was taking any significant hit. I huffed, trying to get my muscles to allow me to move. I wanted to help in any way I could, but they refused, a wave of nauseating pain rushing over me as I was forced to continue watching, powerless to it all.

With another hefty strike, I saw Scar's blurred figure stumble backwards, the fighting having stopped for a moment. Before I knew what was happening in that pause though, I heard Kiburi, albeit sounding a bit muffled, likely due to my injuries. He shouted, "Simba, attack now!" He called. In a second, I made out another smudged figure, the lighter colour telling me it was Simba. My eyes couldn't even keep up with the pace he pounced at. When my eyes caught up, I missed hearing a weakened gasp escape someone. With my eyes fixed on the blurred figures, I could see Kiburi's standing away from where Simba and Scar were. The next thing I could see was Simba trembling, my vision still not very clear as thing started to go darker for me, another wave of nausea and pain sweeping across my body, forcing out a pained groan on my part. Just as my vision was fading further though, I saw the figure next to Simba drop down, limp on the ground. The last thing I could remember was hearing their heavy breaths over the rain as it seemed to start easing. With that, all of my senses shut off, letting everything fade to black as I was left with the constant pain I had been left in before everything went.

A/N: Okay guys, here it is. This chapter is by far the largest, and for good reason, I think you'll agree. It was actually quite nice to write something this long out. It flowed really well from my point of view, and I'm really happy I get to give it to you guys! I don't own The Lion King, that's all Disney's property. Please, after such a long chapter, I'd love to see what you think of everything that's happened so far and what you thought about this in general, so please, be so kind as to leave a review. I do love reading them! Because of exams in January, it might make the next chapter difficult to write, so I'm either going to write it in this month and release it next, or I'll release two chapters in February. These exams are always going to come first. Other than that, I can't wait to show you guys the next chapter, after all this chaos! See you all next time!