Zira's Rise

Chapter One

It was a cold, rainy night in the HardLands. These lands were accurately named, it was almost always constantly dry and blistering hot out. There was little to no prey, so often the pride had to go hungry. This was the first rainfall they had seen in months, however the ground was so hard that the moisture wouldn't be able to stay in.

But somehow, Aina had been able to survive. It was probably thanks to her husband, King Mkali. If she hadn't been queen, she would not have been able to make it through this pregnancy alive. In fact, she was astounded that her close friend Kuruka had managed to give birth just a week earlier. But she was thankful that this little one would be able to have a friend growing up. Aina closed her eyes shut as she felt the final wave of contractions come over her. These hit her hard, and with a good push and a roar, she had given birth. She looked down, and saw the small cub, it's eyes tightly shut. She worked fast, licking off the placenta. Aina would worry about the gender after, for now she had to make sure the cub was alright.

She looked over the cub, it was a bit scrawny, but she figured that within a month the cub would be just as healthy as any other cub. She quickly nestled the cub towards her, the cub finding her tits in no time. It was damp in this small cave, but it was better than being outside. Aina looked up, only to see a shadow of a large lion at the entrance. At first she was frightened, but then she had realized it was just Mkali. Somehow, this still frightened her. He walked over slowly, peering down at his queen and newborn cub for a moment.

“What's the gender?” he asked, his voice having a serious undertone to it.

“I haven't checked yet.” Aina said calmly. “I'm just enjoying the first moments with it.” she looked up at Mkali and gave a warm smile. But he did not return the smile. Instead, he took the cub with his paw, not even bothering to be gentle, and turned it over. The cub mewed with protest. Aina knew she should say something, but standing up to Mkali would be death, queen or no queen. Immediately, Aina knew the gender just by his reaction. He gave a sharp roar, and started to pace.

“A female?! Aina, how could you? I even made sure you had more portions than Chuki – and he's my own brother!” Mkali was so loud, Aina knew the rest of the pride could surely hear him.

“Mkali, dear, calm down. We can try again next season.” she said softly. She knew she couldn't raise her voice at him. Mkali walked over and snarled at the sight of the cub. 

“No. Next month.” he said coolly. This did make Aina speak up.

“Mkali...it would be a death sentence for both me and the cub if we tried next month.” she said. She remembered her mother giving birth to a stillborn, just a few months after her second...which had also died. Mkali shook his head.

“No, next month or not at all. And make sure it is a boy.” he started to walk out of the cave, then paused. “Her name is Zira.” he said, and walked out into the torrential rain.

Aina breathed a sigh of relief. At least he had named the cub. She would have been more worried if he hadn't, for that would mean that he had no intention of keeping her alive. Aina brought Zira to tit again, and Zira quietly suckled. Aina smiled, Zira looked like the spitting image of herself, except a bit darker. Aina couldn't wait to see what her eyes looked like when they opened.

Chapter Two

A month later, just as Mkali had said, he and Aina tried for another cub. But throughout that month and into the next, Aina showed no signs of being pregnant. Mkali grew viscous by the day, often sentencing two lionesses at a time to death.

Aina had been the princess of another pride, the AridLands pride. It had been just as harsh as it had been there, but at least her father was a kinder king than Mkali. Her pride seemed to flourish despite the hardships they faced, but this pride was very small. In fact, the only immediate pride were herself, Mkali, his brother, and her friend Kuruka. Kuruka had given birth to a male, Usiku. Everyone had guessed that it was Chuki's, but only Aina knew that Kuruka had been sneaking off to mate with a rogue male.

“I just can't stand that lion, he strikes at me almost every night.” Kuruka had told Aina one night. Aina believed her too. She knew Chuki's anger firsthand, and she had seen Kuruka with scars on her body and face. She wished that she could do something for her friend, but in this pride, females were next to warthogs. Just a piece of meat that was convenient for offspring. 

Aina didn't let herself worry too much. She kept herself occupied with Zira and visits to Kuruka and Usiku. Almost immediately the two had hit it off. Mkali wasn't pleased however, he had different plans for Zira.

“I want her to be a fierce fighter, just like yourself.” he told Chuki in secrecy. Chuki gave a small nod. “These lands are seeing more and more rogues, and we need to get rid of them.” Mkali growled, trying to think of what he could do.

“When she is six months old, I will train her. I will train her brutally. In the end, she cannot have any emotions.” Mkali grinned to himself, and made his way out of the cave.


When Zira was five months, she and Usiku would go off playing almost every day.

“Can I go with Usiku mama?” she asked, her voice high pitched. Her eyes showed excitement, so of course Aina couldn't say no.

“Of course dear.” she said, giving her a lick on the top of her head. “Just be careful, if you need anything give a roar.” Zira smiled widely, and pranced off, finding Usiku and his mom snuggling under a dead tree.

“Hiya Usiku!” she called, and came up to him. Kuruka woke up, and gave Zira a polite nod. Usiku looked up at Zira, it was obvious that he had been sleeping as well.

“Oh, hi Zira! What's up?”

“Nothing much, just wondered if you wanted to go out exploring or something.” she said, smiling brightly. Usiku stretched out, getting the sleepy feeling out of his paws. 

“I'd love to! Can I go mama?” he asked, looking up at her. She kissed her son on the top of his head and laughed gently.

“Of course. Just don't wander too far off you two.” she said. Usiku and Zira both cheered loudly, practically falling over each other with excitement. Zira rushed off, dodging dead trees and rocks. Usiku laughed, trying to catch up to her.

“You're getting faster Zira!” he shouted after her. Zira looked back and stopped, letting her friend catch up to her.

“I wanna be the fastest lion there ever was!” she said proudly, sitting down and putting her head high. 

“But what about your dad? Doesn't he want you to be strong like everyone else?” Usiku asked, cocking his head to one side. Zira sighed, her ears moving back and her head hanging low.

“Yeah.” she said, a defeated tone in her voice. Her ears perked up again, and she stood right up. “But I don't care!” she shouted into the sky. Usiku gasped. Never had Zira sounded so rebellious. “I'm going to do my own thing! And nobody is going to stop me!” she laughed, running off. Usiku laughed and ran after her once more.

“Hey! No fair!” he shouted.

The two cubs ran for a while longer, sometimes Zira would chase Usiku, and other times Usiku chased Zira. All of a sudden, dark clouds loomed overhead, the sky grew dark, and both cubs didn't know where they were. A small river was close by, and Zira remembered that it marked the edge of their territory.

“Come on, Zira. We should head back.” Usiku said, his voice low and nervous. Zira looked around, and found a tree with large branches. 

“No.” she said calmly. “It's going to rain soon, and by the looks of things it might be a thunderstorm. We should head under that tree.” she made her way to the tree. Thunder roared overhead. Usiku slowly followed behind her.

“Um, Zira, I'm not sure that's a good idea...” he started. But Zira shushed him. 

“You worry too much. Look, this tree is big and safe. We'll be perfectly fine here.” 

Just as Zira said those words, a large lightning bolt hit the tree, and the branch that was over top of Zira crashed over her. Usiku managed to move away in time, but Zira was stuck.

“Are you okay Zira?” Usiku yelled out. Zira coughed, but managed to squeeze her head out.

“I'm fine.” she said. Usiku let out a sigh of relief. But both cubs knew that Usiku would have to go back and get help, and that meant telling Mkali. And with his temper, he might do more damage to Zira than that branch did. Usiku put his ears back, as he told Zira what he had to do.

“I'll go back and get Mkali.” he said slowly. He quickly ran off, peering at Zira behind him.

“Hurry back!” Zira called. She sat down, feeling rather safe under this branch. Maybe she could just live here forever, she thought to herself. And for a moment she felt comfortable in her fantasy. But then Mkali was running towards her, snarling. Usiku was behind him, looking sad...and he his fur looked all bloody. No doubt Mkali had struck him.

Mkali let out a roar, Zira quickly backed away to one corner of the branch. Her mother said to love her father no matter what, but when he scared her it was hard to remember that. With one swipe of his paw, the branch broke apart, and Zira was able to climb out. She looked up at Mkali, who glared down at her. He snarled, and hit her over the left side of her face. She hit the ground immediately, and put her paw up towards her face, tears coming down.

“If you ever come here again, I'll kill you!” Mkali shouted, turning around to go home. Quietly, Zira and Usiku followed, leaving a big girth between them and the king. 

“It's okay Zira, he didn't mean it.” Usiku whispered. But Zira wasn't so sure, she knew how powerful he was.

Chapter Three

The rest of the month passed quietly. Zira and Usiku never went near the river again, instead they stayed around the cave or by Kuruka. Zira's father requested she come on walks with him more often, and at the end of the month, Mkali had asked Zira to join him first thing in the morning.

“Where are we going?” she asked him as they walked away from the cave. 

“You're going to start your practising today Zira.” Mkali said. He sounded at ease this morning, and Zira was relieved. Perhaps he'd be a little more easy-going today. They walked for a while, and came to a stop. In the distance, Zira could see a family of meerkats playing. She smiled, the babies were so cute.

“Kill them Zira.” her father's words pierced through her ears. She looked up at him in bewilderment. Surely he couldn't be serious.

“But...” she started, looking back at the meerkats.

“Do it Zira! This will make you tough! You don't want me to hurt Usiku, do you?” he said. Zira looked down on the ground and gulped back a sob. She knew she had to do it. There was no other way. Slowly, she made her way towards the family of meerkats.

“Stay low, Zira.” she heard her father's voice come from behind her. She pressed her belly to the ground, and let her claws come free. She crept closer, squinting her eyes against the bright sun. She waited for a moment, targeting one of the older ones. She looked back, and her father gave a nod. Just as the meerkats looked up, Zira pounced. At first, she missed it, but she darted back around. Some of them had already ducked underground, but she managed to catch one in her jaw. With tears running down her face, Zira quickly crunched on it's neck. It went limp immediately. She dropped the meerkat, flicking her tongue out, trying to get rid of the taste of blood.

“Finish them all Zira!” her father called, running towards her. “Dig up the den and kill them!” Zira froze, she couldn't do that. 

“Daddy, no...” she said, her throat feeling tight. He snarled at her, and gave her a smack.

“Don't you call me that!” he roared out. He looked down at Zira, who was trembling on the ground. “Fine,” he started, turning around. “If you won't do it, I will.” With that, he began digging around, and when he finally found the meerkats, he tore them up. Zira closed her eyes. She wished she could close her ears too, the cries of the babies were too horrible. It was over quickly, but it felt like an eternity to Zira. Her father came by her, and hit her hard so she would stand up.

“You're weak! You're pathetic!” he shouted. Coming close to her face. She shook her head, her face stained with dirt and tears. “You're just like your mother! Useless!” he said, and turned around to go home, leaving Zira behind. Zira stayed there for a while, looking at all the lifeless bodies around her. Some of them didn't even look like meerkats. She cried, her body shaking.

“Mommy...mommy...” she started, her sobs coming out in heaves. “Daddy..” she said under her breath. She gulped, and controlled her tears, slowly heading back towards the den.


The training continued, with the lessons becoming more brutal. Later that month, word spread that Aina was pregnant again. She had kept it a surprise from everyone, just in case the pregnancy ended suddenly. But everything was going well, she was getting nice and round, and Mkali was sure it was a boy. He fed Aina extras after the meals, and he even discontinued Zira's lessons.

“With a boy around, I won't need you.” he told her. Zira wasn't sure whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, but for now she treated it well. She got to hang out with Usiku again, and she was happy about that.

One night, while everything was calm inside the cave, Aina felt something strange stir inside of her. At first she didn't know what to make of it, but after a while, she knew she was having contractions. The familiar feeling of tugging and ripping came flooding back into her memory. Mkali woke up from beside her. Lately he had been sleeping with her, which he hadn't done in ages. He ordered everyone out, including Zira. He even went out himself, leaving just Aina and Chuki in the den. Mkali paced. He felt as though it was too early for Aina to be going into labour. But he was still hopeful. She seemed stronger, and he knew that if it was his son, he would make it. Hours had passed. The rest of the pride continued their sleep, but Mkali stayed up, hearing roars coming from the cave. He went to the entrance, and was surprised to see Chuki coming out. His expression looked troubling though, and Mkali quickly grew worried.

“What? What is it?” he asked impatiently. Chuki sighed, looking at the ground.

“The cub...it's dead.” he said. Mkali's eyes widened, and he started to make his way into the cave. Chuki stopped him for a moment.

“It...it was a boy.” he said. Mkali looked down at his brother, and gave him a dismissing nod. Mkali walked into the cave. The floor was stained with blood, and he could see Aina laying there, her breathing short and forced. He looked in one corner, and saw a lifeless, small cub there. A tear came to his eye, but he quickly wiped it away. He went over to Aina, and she looked over her shoulder to stare up at him.
For a moment Mkali thought of nuzzling her, but anger and frustration came over him.

“You bitch!” he roared out. Aina looked shocked, which made Mkali even angrier.

“You killed him! You killed my son – our son!” He struck her with his claws, leaving four distinct claw marks on her face. Tears ran down her eyes.

“No...I...” she tried to speak, but Mkali hit her again. This time, her limp body flung across the cave. Her breathing grew shallow, as she looked up into her husband's eyes.

“You are no longer my queen!” he said, hitting her again. He continued hitting her repeatedly, and this time, he let the tears escape. After a while, he looked down, and noticed that Aina had finally stopped breathing. He let out a long, drawn out breath himself, and exited the cave. Everyone was awake by then, the sun was just rising. He called Chuki over.

“Clean up the mess.” he whispered in his ear. Chuki nodded, and headed in the cave. Mkali walked past the pride, and stopped at Zira, who looked up at him with wide eyes. He stared at her for a moment, then continued to walk off into the distance, hearing the cries of his daughter, and the voice of Usiku and Kuruka comforting her, behind him.

Chapter Four

Zira seemed to understand what had happened. She knew better than to confront her father about it though, and tried to put the whole incident behind her. Mkali explained that Kuruka would look after her now. Zira was worried that Mkali would continue their lessons, but he didn't. At first she thought he had forgotten, but then it became clear he was doing it on purpose. Zira was no longer considered the heir. Since her mother failed to produce a living son, Mkali had his marriage to Aina be declared null and void. Which meant that any offspring was considered a bastard child. Instead, Chuki was next to assume the throne, even though he was only a year younger than his brother, and likely wouldn't even be able to assume it.

The rest of the year passed in a bliss. Zira would laze around talking with Usiku. Usiku had grown in the start of his mane, and Zira became a healthy young lioness. One day, while Chuki and Mkali were discussing royal plans, Chuki had brought up Zira.

“She's become the fine lioness.” he noted. Mkali only nodded in response. “I would bet that soon she'll be ready to produce cubs.” he said.

“Hm, yes. She reminds me of her mother.” Mkali said. Chuki looked at him, and the two laughed. Mkali put a paw around his brother.

“Tell you what,” he started, looking out of the cave. “You can have her.” Chuki looked at him, astonished.

“Pardon?” he said. Mkali laughed again.

“You can mate with Zira. Right now. Tonight.” he said, smiling. Chuki looked away for a moment.

“But brother, she's still young.” he said quietly. Mkali playfully hit his brother.
“Nonsense. As you said, she's grown into a fine lioness. She's capable and strong, much like her father.” he laughed, as he made his way out of the cave. “I'll summon her here tonight after the meal. Then you can have your way with her.”


Later that evening, when the pride had finished their meal, Mkali had told Zira to come to the den with him. At first, Zira was nervous. Had she done something wrong? But as they walked, her spirits lifted. Her father sounded excited, and almost happy. Maybe he was going to reconcile with her! Maybe, after all this time, he would finally apologize and beg her to assume the throne again. Then they could rule this land together, as a family. Zira was grinning from ear to ear, but when she followed her father into the cool, damp cave, she noticed that her uncle, Chuki was standing there, with an evil smirk on his face. Her father let Zira go ahead, as he stopped at the entrance. She turned around to face him.

“Father? What is it?” Zira asked, looking puzzled. All her father did was nod, and before Zira knew it, she felt Chuki's heavy body on top of her own. He was moaning. Zira didn't know what to do, she didn't even know what was happening. Then, she felt an agonizing pain shoot through her. She roared out, tears coming to her eyes.

“Daddy! Daddy!” she shouted, trying to will him to save her. But all she could see through her blurred and teary vision was Mkali's figure walk slowly out of the den, as Zira's cries followed him. Chuki took a swipe at Zira's head, but missed, and instead he took a small chunk out of her left ear. Zira shut her eyes, trying to block out the feeling of Chuki, and the pain both inside of her and on her ear.


For the next few months, Zira's life passed in one huge blur. She often went out for long, solitary walks. And, once again, she was ignored by her father, and by Chuki, who had barely even spoken to her since that night. Zira didn't even talk with Usiku as she used to. Right now, she just wanted to be left alone. But one night, as she was laying down underneath an old tree, Kuruka had walked over to her, and laid down beside Zira. Zira didn't protest, she didn't mind Kuruka's presence. Kuruka had always been kind to her, and she felt comfortable around her.

“How are you feeling, Zira?” Kuruka asked softly, licking her paws.

“I'm fine.” Zira said, but her voice gave her away.

“You don't sound fine.” Kuruka said. Zira looked away, pretending to be intent on something in the distance. But Kuruka looked Zira over, and with a mother's instinct, she had guessed what was wrong. “Zira, dear, are you pregnant?” Kuruka asked. Zira looked over at her, both astonished and annoyed at her question.

“No I'm not!” Zira said, her voice raised. But Kuruka remained calm and collected, she knew how to handle Zira.

“It's Chuki's cub, isn't it?” Kuruka said, and she didn't need an answer. Zira hung her head, looking at the ground for a few minutes. The two lionesses laid in silence for a moment, then Kuruka spoke up. “I know it's difficult Zira, but you mustn't blame the cub. It didn't ask to be brought into this world.” Zira looked over at Kuruka, a tear forming in her eye.

“I know that.” Zira said slowly. “But somehow, I still wouldn't care if it were to die.”


A few weeks later, Zira had given birth in the den. It was early morning, and her contractions had woken her from a less than peaceful sleep. Mkali ordered everyone out, and even he went out during the birth. Zira was left to give birth on her own, and it was a long and difficult birth. 

The cub, a male, was born scrawny and tiny. He looked like the spitting image of Chuki, and that just made Zira despise the cub even more. She did lick him though, removing the embryonic sack from around him. A couple of hours after his birth, Mkali walked in, and looked down, nodding approvingly.

“What's the gender?” he asked.

“It's a boy.” Zira replied dryly. Mkali smiled, as much as he could smile. He called Chuki in, and Zira let him cradle his son. 

“I'll call him Nuka.” Chuki said. Zira didn't even mind that she didn't name the cub, it just meant that it bore less of a responsibility to her. Mkali smiled at his brother, and then took Nuka and placed him back with Zira, who didn't even look down at the cub in her arms.

“We'll train him to be strong.” Mkali announced to her. “You'll care for him until he is weened, and then he will be raised by Chuki.” Zira nodded. She almost wished Chuki would just take him now, but she knew that if she were to neglect Nuka, she would be killed for sure. So, for the next few months, she had raised Nuka, and even felt a tiny bond with him. He was still scrawny, an obvious sign of inbreeding, but other than that he had a heart of gold, and he doted on Usiku, who would often play with the cub and take him on 'adventures'. 

Zira started to feel somewhat normal again, and enjoyed motherhood, to an extent. She knew she was too young, and she knew where Nuka came from, but that didn't bother her as much as she thought it would. But when he was five months old, Zira knew that in the next month or so, Mkali and Chuki would take Nuka under their care, and he would be changed for good. She watched as Nuka playfully chased a butterfly, and right at that moment, she knew what she had to do.

“Come along, Nuka.” she said, trying to sound as normal as she could. “Let's go visit Kuruka!” Nuka grinned widely, pouncing at his mother's tail as he followed her.

“Oh boy! I like Kuruka. And I like Usiku. He's so funny! Daddy doesn't like him much though, he said that...” But Zira cut him off, whisking around quickly.

“Daddy?” she asked, confused.

“Yeah! You know, daddy.” Nuka looked confused himself. Zira thought for a moment, and then she realized. Chuki and Mkali must have already told Nuka who his father was. Zira was pissed off. She had wanted to keep it a secret from him, and now it would be more of a challenge than ever in her impending plan. But at least Nuka didn't know that Chuki was her uncle...at least, she hoped he didn't know. She continued along, and Nuka followed, the confusing moment vanishing from his mind.

Zira walked up to Kuruka, Usiku was there too, and when Nuka saw him, he ran up to him, tugging on his ear. Zira gave a smile, and said hello to Kuruka.
“Nuka, mommy wants to talk to Usiku privately for a moment, is that okay?” she asked, rubbing her son's head. Nuka giggled and nodded. “Good.” Zira said quietly, and motioned for Usiku to follow her. Usiku trailed behind, just like when they were cubs. He turned around and gave a playful wink to Nuka, who winked back and then continued to play with Kuruka.

“What's up?” Usiku asked, as they had gotten far away from the rest of the pride. Zira looked around hesitantly, and then she spoke up.

“I want to get out of here.” she said quietly. Usiku cocked his head to the side, puzzled. “I want to escape the Hardlands, move somewhere else, with Nuka.” Usiku's eyes widened, and almost forgot to keep quiet. Zira hushed him as he started asking questions with his voice raised.

“Listen,” she said calmly. “I want you to help me. Not tonight, but tomorrow night, I want you to escort Nuka and I away from here, I don't care where. We'll leave as soon as everyone's asleep.” Usiku nodded.

“What if we get caught?” he asked slowly. Zira shook her head.

“We won't. We can't. If we do, they'll kill you.” Usiku's ears perked up. Zira explained. “They wouldn't kill me, for two reasons. One; they would do that only to make me scared, to prove a point to me and your mother. Two; they need me...to provide offspring.” Usiku nodded, a frown forming on his face.

“Won't I see you again?” he asked after a few minutes. Zira hung her head low.

“I-I don't know.” she said. But they both knew that answer.

Chapter Five

Chuki growled, and he quietly went off to find Mkali, who was asleep in the den. He explained everything that he had heard, and Mkali let out an angry roar.

“You're sure?” he asked, his claws out. Chuki nodded.

“Yes. I was right there.” Mkali paced back and forth, trying to think of something.

“Zira cannot betray us!” he said. He paced for a while more, and then an idea came to mind. “Before the meal this evening, we'll call everyone together. I have an idea.”


Later, just as the sun was setting, the four adults, and Nuka, were gathered around.

“It has come to my attention that there has been some devious behaviour in this pride.” Mkali said, he loud voice booming into the evening air. Zira and Usiku looked at one another, nervously. Mkali looked at them, and then to Kuruka.

“Apparently, things aren't quite as they seem.” he said slowly. “Kuruka, you are charged with treason!” he roared. Both Kuruka and Zira shouted “What?!” at the same time. But Mkali continued.

“Your birth of Usiku was not legitimate. Meaning you did not have him with this pride. You mated with a rogue lion, and now we have a rogue's offspring in our pride!” Mkali shouted. Nuka ducked in between Zira's legs, not sure of what was happening. Mkali looked down at Kuruka, who was softly crying. 

“Do you deny this?” Mkali asked.

“No.” Kuruka replied softly. Mkali roared.

“Say it louder!” he demanded.

“No!” Kuruka shouted. “No, I do not deny it!” she shouted in between sobs. Mkali nodded, and fell silent for a moment.

“Then both you and Usiku are hereby exiled from the Hardlands!” he shouted, and Zira shouted a no into the air. This made Nuka burst into tears, and he covered his eyes with his paws. Kuruka's eyes widened, and for a moment, she and Usiku both stayed where they were, frozen with shock. But Mkali roared again.

“Leave now! Or I'll rip you both apart!” he said. Kuruka looked over at Usiku, then at Zira, and Zira had to hold back her tears. Kuruka and Usiku both ran, and Usiku didn't dare looked behind him. Zira sat there, shutting her eyes and putting her ears back against her head. Then she heard Mkali whisper to Chuki.

“Kill them.” he said. Zira opened her eyes, and saw Chuki run off in the distance. 

“No!” Zira shouted, trying to run after them. Nuka ran into the den, Zira could barely hear his sobs over her own. Mkali caught up to his daughter, and tripped her, pinning her down.

“I know what you were up to! And it won't work!” he shouted into her face. “You must stay here and provide cubs for me and for Chuki!” he said. Zira kept on shaking her head no, shaking beneath her hellish father.

“I will not have you abandon this pride! I want the kingdom my grandfather had to be restored – what you're great-grandfather had! And it will be a pure pride!” he shouted, and finally got off Zira. But she couldn't even move, she was in so much distress.

“You will constantly be supervised from now on.” he said. “And Chuki and I will mate with you as we please, until you provide us with ten cubs each!” he started to follow after Chuki, then stopped. “Or until you are dead from fucking, whichever comes first.” And with that, he ran off, making sure that his brother had done his job. Zira cried for a moment, then ran off towards the den. She knew what she had to do, and it couldn't wait. As she entered the cave, she noticed Nuka laying peacefully in the far corner. The excitement must have scared him to sleep. For a moment, Zira thought about leaving him there. It wasn't Nuka that was in danger. In fact, he'd probably have a good life here. But Zira couldn't just leave this poor boy here alone. And it broke her heart to think of this good cub being brought up to be a viscous killer. Quickly, and quietly, she woke him up, not explaining to him what was going on...it was better for him that way. She ran off, carrying him between her jaws, running up until the first rays of the morning, running in the opposite direction of where Usiku and Kuruka ran.

Finally, Zira made it to a large area away from the HardLands. She had no idea where she was, and it wasn't any better than where she had come from. But at least she was away from her father and her uncle, at least she was safe. She fell on the ground, Nuka was exhausted himself. She looked over at his tiny body, he was panting heavily and looked as though he might run out of breath. Zira knew that they would die. But she'd rather have them die like this than at the paws of her father.

Just as Zira was closing her eyes, two small lionesses came up to her and Nuka. Zira could barely make out what they looked like, but she could hear every word.

“Should we tell Scar?” one asked. Who was Scar? Zira wondered.

“I don't know. There isn't enough food to go around as it is.”

“But look at the poor cub...”

Zira could hear them leave, and ten minutes later, she could feel herself be hoisted up onto the back of a male lion. She peered out of her half-closed eyes. He had dark fur, much like her father and uncle. But this lion seemed fine, besides, he was her rescuer.


A few days had passed since Zira was rescued. Scar, it turned out, was the king of these lands, known as the PrideLands. The other lionesses seemed to despise him, but Zira adored him. Every day he would bring her a little bit to eat, and he made sure Nuka was tended to as well. Seven other lionesses would crowd around Zira as well. They seemed to be the only ones who took a liking to Scar.

“All I ask for is your loyalty to myself and to the pride.” he told her as she was eating a fresh zebra leg. She nodded enthusiastically. 

“Yes, of course.” she responded. Scar nodded. Zira smiled, the first time she had smiled in a long time. For a moment, she had almost completely forgotten her past, but every once and a while, she would fear that her father would come back for her, and would kill her.

Chapter Six

“Mama!” Nuka called, running up to his mother. A few weeks had passed, and already Zira felt at home in the PrideLands. She laughed as Nuka snuggled up to her, pressing his forehead against hers. She was laying on the side of Pride Rock, their little enclave for the time being.

“Where have you been my little one?” she asked, giving him a bath. A little tuft of mane was beginning to show on the top of his head, but she knew that it wouldn't fully grow in. Cubs born from inbreeding almost never had a full mane.

“Scar showed me around the PrideLands! It doesn't look like much though...I don't think he's doing a good job of being king...” Zira growled at Nuka, and his eyes widened in fear.

“Never say that! Scar has shown nothing but kindness to us!” she said, as she continued to vigorously wash Nuka. He became restless however, and scurried off to find one of the other lionesses. Zira sighed, and rested her head on her paws. No matter how hard she tried, she still didn't feel the closeness to Nuka as she thought she would have. She kept on thinking about her mother and what she would have done, but the images of her mother were slowly fading away. She gave another sigh, and just then, Scar came to her, and gave a small smile. Zira sat up right away, and bowed to him.

“Hello Sir.” she said politely. Scar laughed and waved a paw at her.

“Please, call me Scar.” he said. Zira's eyes brightened up. He was so nice. What did Nuka and the other lionesses know? This lion was truly noble.

“How are you feeling?” he enquired, expecting her as he walked around her.

“Oh, much better, thank you.” she said. Scar nodded approvingly.

“So, Zira.” he started, sitting beside her. “You've never said much about where you came from, or how you ended up here.” he said, searching her face. Zira looked away however, her lips pursed as she tried to fight the tears. But Scar's voice soothed her. “Please, won't you tell me?” he asked. She looked at him, and his eyes, his bright, green eyes, looked so inviting and so warm, that she opened up to him. She told him everything, from Usiku to her mother, to her being raped by her own uncle. Scar shook his head at the last one.

“I am so sorry.” he said, putting a paw on top of hers. “It's disgusting how family can do that to one another.” Zira nodded in agreement. The two sat in silence for a moment, then Scar smiled again, standing up to look right into her eyes.

“Tell you what.” he began excitedly. “The next male cub you have, will be the heir to the throne!” he said. Zira looked at him, confused.

“I don't understand...I probably won't be going back...” she said, staring at the ground. But Scar shook his head.

“No no. What I mean is, he'll be the heir...to this throne!” Zira looked up then, she felt herself bursting with excitement.

“Really?!” she asked, hardly containing herself. Scar nodded.

“Yes! I need an heir anyways...after my nephew passed away...” he looked away, obviously hurt. Zira went up to him, and nuzzled against him.

“It's alright Scar, I will gladly produce an heir for you.”

Chapter Seven

Although Scar asked Zira to produce him an heir, he made it clear it would not be with him. He explained that it would be difficult for the other lionesses to accept one of his own offspring, since they did not even accept him. Zira asked about this, and Scar had said that when his beloved brother and nephew died in the wildebeest stampede, some had thought that he had done it.

“But how could you?! You were...and still are, so kind!” she said in bewilderment. Scar nodded.

“I cannot please everybody it seems.” he said as he left. This made Zira want to prove herself to him all the more. But it was hard to produce a cub when there was nobody to produce one with, that was until one rainy day, when Zira was out hunting, that her prayers seemed to be answered.

Zira had left Nuka with the other lionesses. Ever since Scar had explained to her about another heir, Zira didn't give Nuka another thought. She left his rearing up to a lioness named Nala, who seemed to not only hate Scar, but hate her too. But however hard she tried to be rid of Nuka, he always seemed to be wanting to impress her with any little thing. One day, he came to her while she was sunbathing to show her how nice his mane was coming in. All Zira could do was roll her eyes.

But now, she was finally alone, and stalking a skinny antelope. There wasn't much meat on it, but at least it was something. It was better than what she had in the HardLands, that's for sure. She focused right on it, keeping afar, but still close enough to charge when the timing was right. But out of the corner of her eye, she saw something in the distance. She tried to ignore it, but it kept on coming into her view. Without thinking, Zira charged after the antelope, and the thing in the distance, which turned out to be another male lion, charged as well. Soon, the two were in a head to head race, but unfortunately, the antelope had managed to get away.

“Asshole!” Zira shouted, turning around to see the lion panting. He looked almost like Scar, except a bit chubbier and with different brown hues. “I have a cub at home that needs to be fed!” she said. He furrowed his brow at her.

“Well excuse me miss! But I gotta eat too you know. It's pretty hard being out here!” Zira stared hard at him, but in an instant, the two burst out into laughter.

“Oh god, I'm sorry.” Zira said, wiping a tear from her eye. “It was just a scrawny thing anyway, it would only tease my taste buds.” The lion nodded, smiling at her. 

“I'm Zira, by the way.” she said, looking up at him.

“I'm Radi.” he said, a wide grin across his face. The two walked and talked until nighttime, apparently Radi was the king of another land called the Runei Lands, after his great-grandfather who had founded them.

“We're experiencing a drought, and there isn't much food to go around. I'm on my way to find another land for us to take refuge in, but so far I've been unlucky.”  Zira looked up at him, and jumped up and down in excitement.

“Whoa! Calm down, what is it?” Radi asked. 

“I could ask Scar!” she said. “He took me and my cub in, I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking your pride in!” Radi thought about it for a minute, then smiled graciously. 

“That would be amazing! Meet me here tomorrow morning and tell me what he said.” Zira nodded, and said goodbye, running off towards Pride Rock. She finally had a friend again! The first one since Usiku...but Zira didn't want to think about him, she was too overjoyed about Radi.

Zira got back to Pride Rock just as everyone was getting ready to go to sleep. She asked Scar to step outside for a moment. Zira remained calm, the best she could anyway. She told him what had happened, and asked if he would take them in.

“And just think, you would have more followers.” she said, looking up at him with hopeful eyes. But Scar shook his head.

“No.” he said. Zira looked hurt.

“But Scar!” she protested. Scar roared angrily, which made Zira jump.

“I said no! We cannot afford to feed an entire pride. Besides, I don't know them personally. They could be looking to take over...” Zira shook her head, fighting back tears.

“No! Radi's not like that...he's...he's...”

“Different? How do I know that? He's a king after all. No. And if I see him in the PrideLands, he'll be killed!” Scar yelled out. He looked sternly at Zira, who started to cry. She ran off, back to Radi. Scar sighed, and went back into Pride Rock.


“Oh Zira, I'm sorry.” Radi said, putting his head on top of hers. She managed to control her tears, but she was still upset.

“No, I'm sorry Radi, I should have known.” she said. Radi shook his head.

“There was no way you could have. Don't worry about it.” he said. The two sat together in silence. Then Zira thought of something.

“Stay here. At least until your strength returns. I'll bring you some food every day.” Radi had a puzzled look over his face.

“But I thought Scar said...” he started. But Zira hushed him.

“He just won't know. There's a neutral zone, called the OutLands. You should be safe there.” she said. Radi smiled, and licked the top of her head.

“You are a very intelligent lioness, Zira.” he said softly. She smiled, and nestled right into his large mane. She closed her eyes and purred, and everything felt so right.

Chapter Eight

For the next few days, Zira would go to the border of the OutLands and wait for Radi. One night, she had decided to stay for a little while longer. It was almost three months since she had left her home, and memories were starting to come back to her. Nuka was six months old, and Zira had turned two a month ago. She was still young, but she felt older somehow. Perhaps it was because of all she had gone through. She poured her heart out to Radi, and he patiently listened. She remembered doing the same the first week she was in the PrideLands. She still adored Scar, but she knew that he was a tough ruler. He inspired her.

She told Radi about what Scar had said about producing an heir for him.

“But I don't know anyone.” she said with a sigh. Radi thought about it, then looked over at her and gave a playful wink.

“What?” Zira wondered, looking sideways at him.

“Mate with me.” he said. Zira was certain that he was teasing, but when she looked at him, she realized that he wasn't.

“How can I do that?” she asked. Radi laughed.

“Well we are close, aren't we? Besides, you don't have to tell him who the father is.” Zira smiled, but then she thought of something else.

“Don't you have a queen?” Zira asked, her voice small. Radi shook his head, still smiling.

“My parents died before they found a match for me, and most of the lionesses aren't nearly as pretty as you are.” he said. Zira looked up at him, grinning.

“Really?” she asked. Radi nodded. Zira looked down at her paws, a tingling sensation coming over her. Gently, she felt Radi mount her. And this time, she was happy about mating. They mated over night, and for the next two days after. When Zira returned to the PrideLands, Scar questioned her to where she had been.

“Well, I found a male lion to mate with.” she said, trying hard not to sound too happy. Scar growled, his fur standing up.

“Where? Here?” he asked. Zira shook her head.

“No, I went to another land, there was a lion from another pride who mated me.” Zira was deviously happy with herself. Technically she wasn't lying, after all, she didn't mate here and Radi was from another pride. Scar looked scornful for a moment, but then gave a slight nod.

“Very good then.” he said, turning back to go into Pride Rock.

For the next few weeks, Zira and Radi would secretly meet in the OutLands, or sometimes in the PrideLands as well at night. Everything was going smoothly, until one evening. Nala had gone off to find food for everyone. The PrideLands were completely wiped from all herds. Zira even had to tell Radi that she could no longer bring food to him. Zira and some of the other lionesses were resting at the base of Pride Rock, when all at once, Nala rushed up to them, panting.

“Nala! Dear, what's the matter?” Sarafina asked, walking up to her daughter.

“Simba! He's back! He's going to challenge Scar!” she said. Zira was confused. Hadn't Simba died? Apparently the other lionesses were confused too.

“How could he? He's dead.” one said. But Nala insisted that he was back.

“Come on! He needs our help!” At once, all of the lionesses rushed up onto Pride Rock. The hyenas were surrounding the rock in droves. Zira told Nuka to go to Rafiki's tree and hide there. Slowly, she followed the others, and couldn't believe what she heard. 
It ended up that Scar killed Mufasa. But Zira did not buy it for a second. Scar thought that Simba died, he didn't know that he was still alive. If he had, Zira was sure Scar would be understanding. Then, she heard the other lionesses shout, “Look!” Zira turned her head, just to see Scar being hurdled off Pride Rock.

“No!” she shouted. She ran down to where he had fallen. The hyenas were pecking at him, and the fire was spreading fast. Zira could feel the tension in the air, soon it would be raining. She walked to his side, and he was still alive, but barely.

“Scar! Scar!” she called out, choking on her tears. He looked up at her and gave a weak smile.

“Oh Zira, you were always so good to me.” he said. Zira shushed him, bending over to nuzzle him. Scar took a few breaths, then finally, he died. Zira roared angrily, and then looked back at Pride Rock, only to see the other lionesses gathering around him. Just then, a loud crack of thunder sounded, and sure enough, a torrent of rain poured over the PrideLands. While the other lionesses roared out their approval for the new king, Zira stayed by Scar and silently wept.

Chapter Nine

A few months had passed, and Zira found herself staying in the OutLands more often. She had told Radi what had happened, and he shook his head. 

“I'm sorry Zira, I know how much Scar meant to you.” he said solemnly. Zira nodded, but even with Radi being there for her, she still felt a dark cloud hanging over her head. She sighed, and closed her eyes.

Nuka had grown up as well, he was almost a year old, and Zira was somewhat proud of him. He was still a sweet boy, and he did everything to please his mother, but Zira still didn't find herself to be the loving mother type, at least not to him. The memories of her past haunted her too much, and she noticed that whenever Nuka was around, he reminded her of that. Zira left Nuka with a few other lionesses whom she had built a bond with. Apparently they had also missed Scar. They told Zira how even though Scar wasn't the rightful king, he still treated the lionesses equally.

“Now Simba only pays attention to Nala.” one lioness said as she was bathing herself. 

“It's probably because she's pregnant.” another one replied. They nodded in agreement. This made Zira furious, and she wandered to the OutLands, but she noticed that even Radi offered her little solace.

“Zira, I need to tell you something...” Radi began, but Zira was too angry to listen.

“That throne was supposed to be my cub's! Not Simba's!” she said, growling quietly. Radi nodded, and then tried again.

“Zira, listen.” he said, but Zira interrupted again.

“I'll do anything for my cub to make the throne!” she said, sitting down and holding her head high. This time, Radi made sure he was heard.

“Zira! Please. I have to go back.” he said softly. Zira looked at him, confused.
“Go back? Go back where?” she asked. Radi frowned, nuzzling her gently.

“To my pride. They must be doing fine by now, and I can't stay here forever.” he said. Zira backed away, on the verge of tears. But she stopped herself. Crying was a sign of weakness.

“No! You can't!” she said, roaring. “You can't leave me too!” she quickly looked away, hiding her sorrow. Radi came closer to her, but she refused him.

“No!” she shouted. “Get away from me!” and she ran off, back to the PrideLands. She never saw Radi again, and she imagined that she never would. A week later, the firstborn son of Simba and Nala was born, they named him Kopa. At his presentation ceremony, Zira looked up scornfully. She knew that she would have to get rid of him, to secure her cub's rightful place on the throne.

Chapter Ten

Kopa grew fast, as Zira knew he would. Everyone coddled him, even the lionesses that didn't like Simba. It was time to act soon. She knew that she was also expecting, her stomach protruded and she could feel moving coming from inside of her. Zira had to get rid of Kopa before her cub was born, and then find a way to get Simba off the throne as well. One night, it all became clear to Zira, the next morning she held a private meeting with the other lionesses and Nuka.

“If I assumed the throne,” Zira explained. “You would all get a say in how the kingdom shall be run. This is a democracy! Not a dictatorship!” she roared out. The lionesses roared in unison, all happy that they will finally get the respect that they deserved. That settled it, the next day Zira would kill Kopa.


Right in the morning, Zira presented herself before Simba and Nala. She made a courteous bow. 

“Ah Zira, it's good to see you.” Simba said with a smile on his face. Zira gave a nod.

“Sire, I heard that you were looking for someone to take care of little Kopa.” she said. She grinned at Kopa, who was chasing a mouse. Nala and a group of lionesses were out hunting. Simba nodded, remembering that he had sent Zazu to look for a babysitter for the afternoon.

“Yes, that is right. I have to go meet with a few zebras later on. If you could come back and look after Kopa, that would be great.” Zira nodded, giving a sly look over to Kopa.

“I would be honoured, your majesty.” she said, and left Pride Rock.

Zira thought out her plan carefully that morning. Everything had to be perfect. Killing off Kopa should be easy, but it was getting her cub on the throne that was the difficult part. She laid down in the sun, looking at her moving belly. She had begun to feel pains, she assumed that in the next few days she would give birth. She smiled, her stomach was huge, surely this cub would be a fighter.

Just as she had promised, Zira showed up and told Simba that she would take Kopa to the watering hole.

“Wow! I never been to da...da...what was it again Ziwa?” he asked, looking up at her.

“The watering hole.” she said, smiling down at him. Kopa followed along, his big, bright eyes looking all around him. Zira spotted the watering hole, and promptly turned to her left.

“Ziwa! Where are we goin'?” Kopa asked, chasing to keep up with her.

“We're taking a detour.” she said.

“A...a...detow?” Kopa repeated. Zira turned around when she was sure that they were far enough away from the watering hole.

“Yes...little prince!” and as she said “little prince” Zira promptly took her paw and slashed at Kopa. Blood was pouring from him. She bent down, chomping on his neck and shaking him vigorously. Zira remembered when her father taught her about killing the meerkats back in the HardLands. This was almost like the same thing, except this time, Zira didn't mind the taste of blood.


Later that night, Zira gave birth to twins, a girl, whom she named Vitani, and a boy, who she named Kovu. She smiled warmly at the both of them, but she knew she loved Kovu the most. He was the one Scar had chosen to become king.	

As the early morning rays shone through the clouds, Zira felt a heavy tension in the air. She placed Vitani and Kovu next to her nipples, and they suckled vigorously.

“Slow down my children, there's enough for both of you.” she said softly as she licked the top of their heads. Then, Nuka came running up to her. Zira had chosen a shady tree to give birth under.

“Mother!” he shouted.

“What is it?” Zira hissed at him, she had no patience for his silliness this morning.

“Simba is coming! And the rest of the pride! What did you -” But before Nuka could even finish, Zira heard the loud, angry roar of Simba. In an instant, he, along with Nala and some of the pride, were standing right beside her. Zira looked up at them, nonchalantly. 

“Oh, hello Simba.” Zira said, an evil grin spreading across her face.

“Zira! You killed my son! You killed...” Simba started, but he turned around, tears streaming down his fur. Zira cocked her head to one side, pretending she had no idea what he was talking about. Zazu  walked up to her, and patted Simba on the paw.

“Zira,” Zazu started, looking stern. “The king has decided that you, along with your family, and anyone else that had a part in this plan, is hereby sentenced to exile in the OutLands. You will leave immediately, or suffer the consequences.” Zira sighed, shaking her head.

“Nuka, take Vitani.” she said calmly. She looked down at Zazu, then up to Simba and Nala. “I hate to say goodbye.” she said, walking away. Then, she turned her head back, and gave a wink. “But I'm sure we'll see each other again.”

The next month, as the Outsiders were settling down for the night, a lioness came up to Zira, who was tending to Vitani and Kovu.

“Zira, I have gotten word that Simba and Nala have given birth to a cub. Its ceremony is tomorrow morning.” Zira nodded.

“The gender?” she asked. The lioness was confused, but answered.

“A girl.” she said. Zira nodded again, then looked down at Kovu and smiled.

“Good. Seems like Scar's plan will prevail after all.”

THE END