by Hatari05 » October 18th, 2018, 4:07 am
: Chapter 8:
If it were in our paws
Kilbali was sitting alone at the time waiting for the king and queen to summon him he wasn't sure why but they had requested his presence which he couldn't really deny. He didn't like the idea of it all two people being above all others it didn't seem just but maybe it worked here or maybe it didn't he wasn't sure. He focused his thoughts away from politics and instead allowed his mind to fill with thoughts of Uru he always dreamt of her hearing her voice in his mind a beautiful melody of a sound it took his breath away he still remembered when her paw touched his the feeling of it the sheer joy of it all. Of course holding her paw wasn't all that uncommon anymore and being touched by her even less so though he would still savor it no matter how many times he experienced it each and every one would be a gift a gift beyond anything he could imagine. He would treasure every moment with her despite the fact that the feeling was definitely not mutual she liked him he was her best friend in a lot of ways and she did value him then again Uru valued everyone and everything she was a true saint, despite this she did not feel anything romantic that much was true the thought hurt to think of but he had to accept it no matter how much he didn't want to.
Asha emerged from the cave calling Kilbali in they were ready. Kilbali obeyed and entered the cave he wondered what the purpose of this was. He sat down in front of Mohatu and bowed respectfully though it didn't feel right to him.
"Welcome Kilbali we have much to discuss" Asha said though she turned to Mohatu to be certain she didn't step out of line, he didn't seem angry.
"Thank you what do you wish of me?" Kilbali said respectfully knowing it was best not to anger Mohatu.
"Um I believe it is not my place to say, unless you permit it you're highness." Asha said almost stuttering the last part.
Kilbali was appalled at the idea of Asha being so afraid of her mate how on Earth did he treat her to warrant such a fearful response?
"You have done fine but I will deal with things from here, leave us." Mohatu commanded her.
"Of course as you wish." Asha said bowing she then departed barely being able to even look up at either of them, how could anyone fear the person that was supposed to love them that much?
Kilbali stared up at Mohatu, "Do you know why you're here?" Mohatu said it didn't sound like a question.
"No but I am certain you hold the answer" Kilbali replied.
"Indeed you are here because I have willed it you are in this kingdom because I have willed it." Mohatu answered arrogantly.
What a tyrant was this what the reign of the lions was like was it always like this maybe it was wrong after all, Kilbali kept this to himself.
"Of course your majesty" Kilbali said bowing though the only reason he did this was to hide the look of complete disdain on his face.
"Everything you have done here including you're relationship with my daughter has been through my designs, now it is time for you to fulfill the purpose I brought here for." Mohatu stated.
"What do you wish?" Kilbali asked desperately trying to hide how much he hated this arrogant megalomaniac.
"I brought you here to secure an alliance between another pride to increase the power of our legacy, now you will secure it, how you ask by uniting our families through marriage." Mohatu explained.
Kilbali's jaw dropped was he asking what he thought he was asking to marry Uru, he wanted nothing more but how would Uru feel about this?
"You want me to, to marry Uru" Kilbali asked in shock.
Mohatu stared intensely at him, "No I don't want you to, I command you to" He stated.
"But is this what Uru would want would you expect her to" Kilbali began to say before Mohatu grabbed him around the neck.
"I expect her and you to do whatever I want, I expect you to marry because it is my will" Mohatu growled.
Kilbali was sickened what kind of lion was Mohatu not only did his mate fear him but he would regard his daughter as almost his slave he seemed to view the whole kingdom as little more than his slaves surely his ancestors were better, though he had to obey and really a part of him wanted to.
"As you wish I swear I will treat her as if she were the stars themselves" Kilbali vowed and he meant every word.
"Live as you wish but know this I have given you an honor that no outsider has ever dreamt of so if I give you this gift and you tarnish my legacy I will see you tied to a tree and gutted." Mohatu stated cruelly.
Kilbali couldn't believe this he didn't even care if he treated his daughter right all he cared about was his legacy at least some good would come from this marriage at least it guaranteed that Mohatu's successor would certainly be better and if Kilbali had his way so would all who followed him he would never allow such a heartless tyrant to ever rise to the throne ever again.
"As you will it you're highness" Kilbali said with a final bow.
"Get out of my sight you have served your purpose don't make me regret this" Mohatu warned.
Kilbali stood up and departed the cave on his way out he saw Asha who turned to him.
"I know how you feel about her you've been given a gift please treat her as one" Asha pleaded.
"I will I promise" Kilbali replied.
Asha nodded before giving a small smile she then turned away she was grateful for this at least her daughter would have a much happier life than she did.
Ahadi was running through the Pride in joy his heart felt like it was going to burst from his very chest as he was running he caught sight of Uru sitting by the waterhole he approached his friend.
"You seem even more happy than normal" Uru told him.
"It was more than great this was probably one of the single greatest days of my entire life." Ahadi said trying not to let his thoughts of her overwhelm him.
"Really that's great to hear" Uru replied, she knew things could work between them soon everything would be better and the thought made her feel truly at peace even if it did kind of mean sacrificing what she wanted not that she could have it anyway.
"I think I'm ready, ready to finally propose" Ahadi told her.
Uru smiled at his statement although there was a brief sting in her chest she ignored it this was the endgame she wanted now that endgame was finally nearing. Ahadi and Kecila would soon be together truly and hopefully the lions and hyenas would unite shortly after.
"Really that's great I'm very happy for you Ahadi" Uru said softly and she meant every word.
Ahadi smiled at his friend Uru had been quite helpful across the years helping him whenever his relationship with Kecila seemed to be struggling. Every time it seemed like it would fail Uru pushed him further. In truth Ahadi knew about her feelings for him and originally avoided going to her for advice specifically because of that but Uru wanted to help them and requested he let her if he needed so he did. He half expected Uru to try and get closer but she never did she was genuine and he was truly grateful for that.
"Thank you Uru you've helped a lot throughout the years and I'm sorry for hurting you every time I've asked." Ahadi stated.
"It's alright you know that already" Uru replied.
"You didn't have to help me and for that I will forever be grateful" Ahadi said quietly.
"You're happiness matters to me you know that" Uru said, "So I suppose you have come up with a good proposal plan?" she asked him.
"Yeah I have a few in mind though there not what you expect" Ahadi said.
"Not surprising Kecila is not a girl of romance" Uru replied.
Kilbali had overheard their conversation and deciding to intrude, "Whoa there my buddy is planning to propose and he didn't even wait for me to come back, you stab me deep Ahadi." Kilbali said while placing his paw on his chest acting as if he had been impaled.
"I was going to tell you don't worry about it, our anniversary is tomorrow that's when I'm going to ask her." Ahadi said.
"Well good luck pal you both got my blessing" Kilbali said.
"I don't think you are her father or at least I hope you aren't " Ahadi joked.
Uru chuckled at both of their comments.
"Hey Ahadi could I have a word with Uru I just found something out and I want to talk about it in private for now" Kilbali asked.
"Sure I got a proposal to plan anyway see ya pal." Ahadi said before leaving.
"So what's this about" Uru asked in soft and polite voice, Kilbali took a deep breath he hoped she would understand he didn't ask for this even though he did want it but not if it wasn't her choice he hoped she would understand and maybe not forgive him but at least not hate him.
Ahadi was rushing through the Pride Lands when a lion pounced on top of him pinning him down.
"What the heck is this about?" Ahadi asked angered.
"The king request to speak to you." The lion told him he could tell it wasn't a request.
Ahadi approached Pride Rock entering the cave where he knew Mohatu was waiting and sure enough there he was staring at the wall which seemed to have carvings on the wall they were new he must've put them there himself.
"Ahadi it is has been a while since the last time we spoke" Mohatu said.
"I know why you summoned me my answer has not changed." Ahadi stated firmly.
"Is that so you really believe the life you have now will be better you would pretty much be a king" Mohatu told him.
"I don't care what would I be king of?" Ahadi said.
"The divide of the kings soon I will claim it the hyenas fight to claim it for themselves but I will not surrender it least of all to them and in the end it could be your kingdom." Mohatu reasoned.
"That's your problem you think power and a throne are all I need to be happy but I am happy." Ahadi countered.
"With love you really think that will last it will fade in the end then tell me would you be happy then, is it really wise to place all you're faith in the love of one individual?" Mohatu asked.
"I place my faith in what I love, I don't need what you are offering." Ahadi stated, "My answer is final we are done here." Ahadi concluded before turning away from the king.
Mohatu allowed him to leave for now but he would succumb to him that much was certain.
He turned to his Pride, "Remain here I have important business to take care of and a future to set in motion." Mohatu said before leaving Pride Rock.
Ahadi didn't get it he honestly thought he could just say no and walk away, no he was the king if he willed it then it would be done. The Shaman told him of the future and now that future was here and he was going to write it and Ahadi would join him he had no choice in the matter it wasn't in his hands it had already been written. If Ahadi believed his life to be perfect than he would simply take what mattered most forcing him to come crawling back to him. He had no choice Mohatu had already chosen his path and he would follow it rather he wanted to or not.
Uru listened to what Kilbali had to tell her she already knew it of course which she stated.
"You knew this the whole time" Kilbali asked her.
"Yes since shortly after we met actually" Uru answered.
"I'm sorry to know something has already been decided for you for so long, I could refuse." Kilbali told her.
"Do you want to." Uru asked him in response.
"I only want you to happy if you do not want this I will" Kilbali began to say.
"No stop thinking about me for a moment look into my eyes and tell me you don't want to marry me." Uru asked him gently.
Kilbali looked deep into her eyes trying desperately not to lose himself in them she was right he wanted to marry her he deeply wanted to be with her he could not say otherwise.
"I can't say that Uru" Kilbali told her.
"Then what point is there in telling my father no you know it will only anger him and then we will both pay, I accept this it's my duty as a princess and future queen." Uru told him.
"But it's not what you want" Kilbali told her in sadness.
"I can't have what I want anyway rather my father forced this or not" Uru explained.
Kilbali knew what Uru was talking about at least he had a theory but there was no need to bring it up right now, "It feels wrong that I am getting what I want at the price of you're happiness" Kilbali said sadly.
"I feel happiness over the prospect that I will at least be bringing joy to someone that is all I want is to give this kingdom and those who live in it a life worth having." Uru stated.
Kilbali felt like he was falling in love all over again what selflessness and compassion he did not deserve this angel from the kings but he would treasure her he would treat her like the gift she was. He would do everything in his power to give her a great life though he knew he couldn't give her a truly happy life and the idea of that just ate him up inside. Though he couldn't help but wonder one thing.
"Can I be a king?" Kilbali asked.
"Why do you ask?" Uru asked.
"I'm not sure if I believe in the idea of it" Kilbali stated.
Uru couldn't deny that was a good response and definitely a question worth asking true, power should always go to those who don't seek it but there was a difference in not wanting power and not believing in the very idea of it and Uru wasn't certain the latter was a proper candidate to run an entire kingdom how could someone who doesn't believe in power or authority ever possibly know how to use it.
The next day, Ahadi made his way to the tall grass where he and Kecila would usually meet though strangely enough she wasn't there odd where was she? She wouldn't miss their anniversary at least not without good cause. He decided she could be late so he decided to keep waiting the day drew to a close and still no sign of her. Ahadi tried not to think of it there was a war brewing maybe her clan was busy he can't just expect the world to stop whatever it was doing just for them. Ahadi went back home surely she would show up eventually.
Eight months had passed eight months and still nothing from her Ahadi felt like his heart had been torn in half no way she would disappear this long there was only one explanation she left him he had no idea why she left him but that had to be it. Of course there was another option as well there was a war coming maybe there had been attacks maybe she was one of the, no that couldn't be true she couldn't be dead but she wouldn't abandon him as painful as it was her being de dead made sense. Ahadi refused to believe it he raced back towards Pride Rock there had to be a reason and Mohatu was likely behind it.
Ahadi arrived at Pride Rock and raced into the cave confronting the king face to face.
"What did you do?!" Ahadi demanded.
"What do you mean street rat?" Mohatu asked.
"What did you do to her where is she?!" Ahadi screamed.
"You're hyena lover, hmm" Mohatu said with a sigh, "I tried to stop them but they attacked." Mohatu said in sorrow.
"What are you saying?" Ahadi said his voice filled with dread.
"She's dead, my, my former general killed her" Mohatu explained.
"Why would I believe this?" Ahadi said quietly.
"Think boy she would never abandon you the only logical explanation is her death" Mohatu said saddened.
Asha then emerged with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry boy but my mate speaks the truth." She said with sorrow.
Ahadi couldn't believe it Mohatu could be lying but not Asha "No, no how, how could you let this happen you wanted it to happen didn't you?!" Ahadi roared.
"Why if I was the one responsible for her death I would be risking everything on blind chance." Mohatu.
"Then whose fault is it?!" Ahadi demanded.
"I don't know I tried to control my general but he wouldn't listen I have been having problems with him but I never thought it would get this bad" Mohatu said.
It was his fault if he were in charge Kecila wouldn't of died no this had to be some kind of a trick.
"Bring forth the prisoner" Mohatu asked.
The lionesses brought out a massive lion the same one who took Ahadi to Mohatu twice.
"Why am I being punished we are fighting a war there are always causalities" He said.
Ahadi looked at him and grabbed him, "Did you kill a hyena well built blue eyes?" he asked.
The lion thought about it, "It does sound familiar I remember seeing one like that yes" he said.
"Did you kill her" Mohatu asked calmly.
"I don't recall any survivors from the attack and I recall seeing a hyena like that fall." He said.
Ahadi was dumbfounded he did kill her no this had to be a ruse but he could tell this lion wasn't lying she really was dead and it was his fault for refusing Mohatu.
"Kill him Ahadi" Mohatu demanded.
"What, I have served you all my life" the lion said.
"He killed the woman you love do it" Mohatu commanded.
Ahadi stared deeply at the lion and then he thought of Kecila rage filled his eyes and he extracted his claws bringing them down in a swift motion and ended the lion's life allowing his body to fall.
"Well done Ahadi" Mohatu said pleased.
"This is my fault she's dead because of me, if I had joined you I could've stopped all this, I killed her it's my fault." Ahadi said tears streaming down his cheeks.
Mohatu was pleased he could see the tears the agony the agony of a lion transforming Ahadi was fading away and now in his place would stand the soldier and general Mohatu sought.
"You can prevent this from ever happening again" he said in compassion.
"I will follow you I will become your general I pledge myself to you" Ahadi said bowing.
"Then prepare yourself the hyenas seek to claim the divide of the kings but that kingdom will be ours you will claim it for me and forge a new kingdom for us, you're kingdom and once it's yours no one you care about will ever be hurt again." Mohatu said.
"I understand" Ahadi said lifelessly.
"Then rise and lead your army claim this land for us and claim what will become the salvation of all you still hold dear."
Ahadi nodded before leaving to join his new army he stared at them before moving to the front they all stood in motion Ahadi then roared the army roared with him they then charged out of the den and towards the divide.
Mohatu smiled in satisfaction he warned Ahadi that the choice was not his he always got what he wanted in the end. Asha was sickened by what she saw how could her husband be so cruel.
"How could you let that poor boy think he is responsible for his love death!" She demanded.
Mohatu grabbed her by the neck and threw her across the den, "Because that pain brought him to me" he answered.
"You heartless" Asha began to scream only for Mohatu to grab her and slam her into the wall, "Be silent" he demanded.
"No I don't care how much you hurt me beat me, strike me, I won't let you do this anymore!" Asha told him.
"Very well then if you're pain won't put in line perhaps Uru's would" Mohatu told her.
"What?" Asha asked horrified.
"You will bow and beg my forgiveness or I will see Uru suffer pain beyond imagining." Mohatu declared.
"No leave her alone!" Asha begged.
"Then beg for forgiveness" Mohatu said his voice like ice.
"Please your majesty I was out of line please forgive my insolence!" Asha pleaded.
"You are forgiven for now remember that know your place, under my heel." Mohatu demanded for good measures he struck her again.
He then went to the back of the den where he saw Kecila waiting.
"Good job my dear" Mohatu told her.
"I'm weak" Kecila said quietly.
"Yes you did as I asked feel free to leave." Mohatu told her.
"I will never be weak again that I promise" Kecila vowed before leaving.
Perfect the war had truly begun and now he had his general soon the divide would be his and his name would be marked in history forever. This day was his tomorrow was his. The Pride Lands were his. Today Ahadi tomorrow the divide it would all be his.