Here Comes a Lion, Father

February 10 | Open to Everybody | Come see the future kings!

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Here comes a lion, Father.

Oh yes, it's a lion.

Here comes a lion, Father.

Oh yes, it's a lion.

It's a lion.

We're going to conquer.

It's a lion.

A lion and a leopard come to this open place.

A lion and a leopard come to this open place.

A lion and a leopard come to this open place.

Zira had gone into labor. Scar anxiously lingered by their sett, pacing and periodically turning his head, as if expecting his queen to fly out like a crane.

He was far too proud to ask the Great Kings of the Past for the new cub to be a boy. Even if he did swallow his pride, they won't give him diddly-squat because he had committed an unforgivable crime by murdering Mufasa. But his queen had been unsuccessful so far, and Scar adamantly believed only a strong male cub can ascend his throne. At this point, some divine intervention would be swell. 

His subjects loitered close by. Nuka was among the growing crowd. From his ledge, Scar glowered at his son. Nuka's arrival was what jump-started the king's endeavor for a worthy male successor. Repulsed, Scar looked away. His mind went to Kovu, Zira's second son. For a good while, Scar was pacified because, unlike Nuka, Kovu was robust and brave. But when Scar discovered Kovu was not his, the bid resumed. It seemed Scar was never going to get the son he wanted. 

"Mew! Mew!"

The cub arrived! 

Oh yes, it's a lion.
It's a lion.

PAIN.

It was intense, horrible, wrenching cramps in her stomach. Pain just clutched her in its arms. Cradled her and pretty much squeezed her entire body. She gave a loud roar. It was time. It was time for her to deliver to her king her ultimate gift. She gave a loud whine, whimper, then another groan. Why did it hurt worse this time?

Perhaps it was because she was old. But as the cub was still moving. Or cubs. Because that is what it ended up being. After the first cub slipped from her she gave a sigh of relief. Only to be met by excruciating pain moments after. "FFFFUCK," she groaned, "ANOTHER?!" Luckily the cub slipped with more ease than the first.

"For the...moment...of...truth..." Her ear folded back as she checked. Fear gripped her. Were they...boys? Her eyes widened as she looked them over. There were...white...She raised an eyebrow. What had happened? She licked one, flipping it over.

She squealed.

...they were both males...

Dotty had been one of the first of the crowd assembled outside Zira's den. She'd been drawn by the familiar sounds of a lioness in labour and for once she felt a twinge of sympathy. She knew how painful and drawn-out the process of birth could be even with the happiness that usually followed bringing life into the world. However, this was Zira. She was scared for reasons she couldn't pinpoint exactly. She hadn't even realised that Zira had been pregnant at all, Nia and Kuzimu (who stood quietly by her side) hadn't said a word to her about Zira even though they spent a great majority of their time in her care. If Zira was having cubs then that could only have meant one thing.

Scar wants a son to replace Nuka, her brain supplied. Then the origin of her fear became apparent. If Zira birthed a boy...what would happen to Nuka? Would Scar have him killed? The thought didn't seem that far outside possiblity for her especially after Nuka's failed attempt at a rebellion. Then if Scar went after Nuka...what about the girls? She had assumed that Scar's lack of heirs was the sole reason why her girls still lived because Scar needed Nuka and killing Nia and Kuzimu would make keeping a hold of Nuka that much harder.

"I'm bored." Nia declared "Has grandmother given birth yet? I want to see her cubs!"

How quick it had all been! Scar quickly padded inside, passing Dotty, Nia, and Kuzimu. He was going to take care of Nuka's family later. Right now, he had to go see the new baby. Upon entering his sett, the smell of hot blood seeped by and the mewls grew louder. "Is it a boy?" he demanded importunately, forgetting the lioness. "Is it a boy?" he cried again. "Tell me at least this - is it a boy?"

Zira capsized one, revealing its nether regions. And just like that, Scar's long endeavor had ended.

"I HAVE A SON!" he called triumphantly.

The second cub rolled over. He too was a male. Scar could scarcely contain his elation. Two sons! They were as loud as howler monkeys, as stocky as honey badgers, and as fair as the new moon. To think that out of all the cubs he begot and the lionesses bore, one after another - a score or so - Scar forgot - only two unpigmented cubs made the cut! Accounts of white lions had been around for centuries but had been dismissed as superstition. According to African folklore, however, white lions are children of the Sun God. Clearly, these cubs were born to rule!

"We shall present them to the pride," he told Zira. "Get them cleaned up! I want their fur to glow!"

(Stitch - I hope it's alright if I say Kerchak's been appointed General at this point? Just, the appointing thread didn't happen after two attempts. ^^' But if you need me to, I will change it.)

Kerchak was present, though keeping his distance. The birth of the rulers' cub, or cubs, (though he expected the former, as the Queen's prime years had passed) was not exactly a moment of personal elation for him, but even the large silver back could feel the tension in the air. And, if that wasn't clear enough, the King was pacing constantly, obviously agitated. Hence why the General was staying out of his way.

He heard a roar from the sett where Zira laboured, and raised his head, heavy brow furrowing. Though he might not have been excitable about the new arrival or arrivals that were due, he did know that the result of this birth would impact upon everyone, and so was understandably hoping for success. If it was stillbirth, or female, for example, the royals would most certainly hesitate not a moment to inflict their anger and upset upon their army in some way or another.

Soon after, Scar quickly disappeared inside, out of view. Kerchak tensed, rising to his hands and feet. He waited, and waited, for what seemed like a long time, and then-

"I HAVE A SON!"

Kerchak felt a cold flash of surprise - had he said a son? Could it really be that Scar had finally gotten the son that he wanted? Could it be that times might even improve because of the young prince's birth? Now, he was thinking a little too far ahead, admittedly, but the possibility certainly piqued his interest.

He moved closer to the sett, but still kept his distance, waiting for the reveal of the cub that he could not quite believe existed until he saw him with his own eyes.

"I HAVE A SON!"

She shout caused fear to tighten in Dotty's chest. It was her fear confirmed. Zira had delivered Scar and heir and with it Nuka was no longer useful or wanted...which meant neither were the girls and her by extension. She could see the future written in blood before her eyes and unknowingly began to shake.

"Mother?" Nia looked up at her, identical amber eyes meeting her own in concern "What's wrong?"

I HAVE A SON

Dotty glanced around fearfully for any sign of Nuka. Surely he must be there. Scar wouldn't tolerate him being absent from the presentation of his sibling - his brother. Wherever she looked she could spot no sign of his red pelt or black mane even as some began to move towards Zira's den. Would Scar kill him here? In front of everyone now that he had another son to proclaim as his heir? Killing Nuka and his cubs in front of the crowd seemed like the kind of spectacle that Scar would dream up.

"Mom?" It was Kuzimu who piped up this time, her other daughter’s crimson eyes mirroring her sister’s confusion "You're shaking? Grandmother had cubs…shouldn't you be happy?"

I HAVE A SON

She had hesitated long enough. As the large male gorilla moved forward, she slunk back pushing the girls behind her and blending into the crowd. Dotty knew what she must do and she couldn’t afford to let her fear cloud her mind. Nia and Kuzimu were her top priority and if she could spare them, and perhaps Nuka too, then she would do anything.

"Holy shit..." Vakasa murmured, moving to stand along side General Kerchak. He was sure he heard right, Scar had his heirs, sons. Orange eyes flicked to Dotty and her cubs. He thought for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly in a frown. Even though he hardly knew anything about the lion family drama, he did know enough that now that Scar had his boys, Nuka's kids wouldn't be of any use to him. That's how it went, right?

Vakasa gave a soft hoot, motioning with a bob of his head to the female cubs, then at the silverback.

"I have a son!"

Nelleke lifted her massive head from the ground at the overjoyed yell coming from Scar. The large meat-eater got to her feet, having been resting for awhile, saving her strength for when her king would need her. The bull-like dinosaur stomped over to the mouth of the cave, pausing to stand next to Dotty and her cubs, giving them a brief look before she leaned her head down to peer inside, trying to get a glimpse. Then she did a double take at Dotty, noticing her panic-stricken look.

"You ok?" the female rumbled softly, just as Claudius and Reggie arrived on the scene and moved to stand on the other side of the lioness, eager to see the new prince.

"Ugh...huh?" Mowgli had been awaken in his bone like jail cell at the sound of Scar's ecstatic yell. He ran his left hand through his short, black hair, he stood up and moved towards the bars of the cage, his eyes looking in the direction of where the yell came from. "Mother, Grey Brother, everyone wake up! Something's going on!" He turned to nudge his wolf brother's shoulder with his hand, trying to jostle him awake. Mowgli would have to do the same with the others if his voice didn't wake them.

As much as Shenzi hated, no loathed to be there for the birth of Scar's and Zira's offspring, she was still loyal to Scar to some degree, why else did she, her two companions and the entire clan, (give or take one member,) follow him into the shit-hole that was the Outlands in the first place anyway? The female was sitting on the outskirts of the group of subjects near the Sett. She wasn't going to bow down to him anymore. Or Zira. Or whatever cubs the two lions managed to have. Where the fuck is Banz and Ed when ya need 'em? She was bored out of her mind and was waiting for something, anything remotely interesting to happen. But since they looked like they weren't coming anytime soon, she just went back to waiting for what was going to happen. For some weird reason, she couldn't help but feel curious about what the hell was going on inside the Sett, mainly because she never had any other siblings and was always doing something else when one of the clan's females gave birth. Which, to be honest didn't happen very often. Then the female heard it. The cry that meant joy, happiness and finally, finally, the promise of a legacy to two lions, the King and Queen of course and for others, it was the sound of impending doom and death.   

"I HAVE A SON!"

Holy shit, it finally fucking happened. Shenzi's ears raised slowly, her pupils shrunk and shocked expression appeared on the female's face. She couldn't believe it. Scar had finally gotten what he wanted, a son. She could see it now, the future of herself and her clan; the little shit or shits, (depending on how many cubs Zira gave birth to), would most likely use the hyenas to completely destroy the other armies, the same way Scar had convinced Shenzi, Banzai and Ed to kill Mufasa; empty promises and lies of food and power. It made the hyena sick just thinking about it. But maybe, just maybe they wouldn't be dicks and assholes in the future when it has grown up? Knowing the parents, the chance of it actually happening, would be incredibly slim. She shook her head, getting herself out of that stupid idea and back up to reality. Shit, I gotta tell Banz and Ed the news. I gotta tell 'em now. Shenzi wanted to get up and run to wherever the hell her friends were and tell them the news, the second she tried to move, a sharp stabbing feeling in her legs and paws, similar to pins and needles, forced her to stay a little longer until the feeling had passed.   
  
Golden orbs spotted a lioness and her two cubs; the elder Prince's family. The hyena felt a tiny bit of pity for Dotty, the lioness was most likely realising her fate, now that Scar had a son and an heir, Nuka and his two daughters were no longer needed anymore. They had carried out their purpose and now that the ruling lions had an heir, they were probably going to kill them. Time was not their friend. A small growl escaped from Shenzi, there was no way in hell where she would let the two lions and their brat offspring kill her hypothetical children, mate and herself to take over the clan. If it did have to come to that, Shenzi sure as hell wasn't going to back down. "Oh fuck no." She angrily muttered to herself, her hate for the two lions resurfacing. 

Zira did something one would have thought she couldn't do. She cried. Tears streamed down her face from sheer joy. She'd finally done it. She'd finally pleased Scar beyond belief. Not only did he have one strong healthy son...he had two. White lions had been of myth. Whether it was her older genes or Scar's old ones that caused the lack of pigment, the female didn't care. They were healthy, thick, not sickly. Nothing like Nuka and they were SCAR'S unlike Kovu. She'd done it. She'd done it. She'd finally pleased him.

She nodded furiously towards him. She lowered her teary muzzle down and licked the first baby. He was strong, it took a while to flip him over. She grinned to herself as she licked him fluffy and clean. He was going to be the leader they wanted, she could tell. Not that the other one wasn't impressive. As she took to cleaning his body, she noted he'd already flicked out his little claws. She smiled softly. The kindest smile an evil satanic woman like her could have offered. She nuzzled both babies before finishing her task. She loved them already. Her precious little kings.

Her fur prickled as the other soldiers approached. The General ape, her son's little family. She smiled towards Nia and Kuzimu. "Would you like to see your...Uncles?" She asked softly to the girls. She didn't want to ask Scar...she didn't...would one of these babies be tossed aside in favor of having one king?

It would appear that no one could take a decent nap, now could they? Oh no. Everyone had to be roaring and hollering and carrying on instead of sleeping and being quiet. Is it too much to ask for a little peace and quiet? Banzai groaned inwardly. For the past few days he'd been trying to get a decent night's rest, mainly to try and sort his feelings out once and for all. Even though it seemed like a lifetime ago, it actually wasn't but a week since he and Shenzi had a moment. Both strong headed, stubborn, individuals connected on a level that was a stranger to them both, especially Banz. Love seemed like a concept that would always be denied to him, yet somehow managed to worm it's way into his life. He could now admit that he had strong feelings, albeit very strong, for his partner in crime and now he was looking forward to just simply calling her his partner in general. Perhaps it was his male mind egging him on, full of lust and power, but maybe there was something genuine and warm within his stone-cold heart.

Speaking of Shenzi, Banzai felt a lack of heat pressed up against his side. Perhaps that's why he could sleep well anymore, Shenzi had just gone up and wandered away. The male hyena let out a snort and went to stretch or roll over or something before a blood curling cry echoed through the Outlands and into the hyena den. I HAVE A SON! Those four little words made Banzai stiffen up, his blood turning into ice and caused his feet to become numb. Had Zira finally succeeded in giving Scar the heir he believed he deserved. In a way, Banzai was relieved. It meant that the pride wouldn't be under the control of Nuka, who was seemingly weak but might prove to be push over during his reign. However, he was also angry, but worse than that. He was terrified. Much like Shenzi, Banzai was tired of being run into the ground, having the lions believe that they were entitled to be on top. More than likely, the new prince would turn out to be just like Scar, or even worse, Zira. No...not again. I WILL NOT be ran over again. It's time to get our own plan in motion," Banzai snarled to himself. The spotted male rose to his feet and, following Shenzi's scent, made his way to her.

Banzai finally spotted her, his stomach flipping a little in response. All of these physical responses to merely seeing her was going to take some getting used to, but he couldn't help but enjoy them in the least bit. He followed her line of sight over to Dottie and her two cubs when he realized the possibility of what their fate might end up as. He pitied them, if it were such an emotion. A poor family was yet another pawn in Zira's endgame, one that had actually done nothing wrong. It made him sick, because that could easily be him. Perhaps it might be later on, but that was something he didn't want to linger on. He sat right next to Shenzi, close enough to where their sides were touching. Partially because they needed to discuss things without everyone and their mother hearing, but also because, well, he wanted to. "So..what are we going to do now, Shenz?" he asked in a low grumble.

"Heh heh heh," Griffin cackled as he slunk up alongside his clan members, pausing on the other side of Shenzi. "Do now? What ARE we going to do, Banzai? Have something planned?" Another low cackle escaped from the white-maned creature's maw as he shivered in excitement.
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Magnus lumbered towards the group. If Mor'du was not in the crowd yet, he was sure his squad leader would be arriving shortly, along with his friend Curumo, and Mor'du's play thing Nita. The massive brown bear stood up on his hind legs to try to get a better look into the cave.
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"What is it, Mowgli?" Grey Brother grumbled, having awoken from the poke to his shoulder and his brother's shouting. "Ugh...new cubs?" His nose took in the far off scent of fresh blood and after birth. "Someone had new cubs..." he grunted.

White colored ears pricked up as the unicorn trotted forward to see what all the noise was all about. Blue eyes scanned the crowd around him, judging by the size of it, something BIG had happened. NEW princes, hooves scraped the ground, anxious to see the new future kings, if he had heard the Queen right from his spot, and alongside the male lion called Claudius. The human turned beast soon arrived and stood next to the unicorn having heard the news as well.



"It sure will be exciting to have new cubs in the Outlands" he said, as he glanced at the unicorn and Reggie, trying to make small talk. His cape fluttered in the light wind from his sharp movement.

Shenzi's features had turned into a hard and angry glare as more and more hate emerged from the hyena as she recounted the things that added kindling to her ever growing fire of fury, rage and revenge. Hate for the two ruling lions and now, their offspring(s), hate for the outcome of her and her clan's future, for being betrayed, lied to and being used by Scar and Zira, hate for being at the bottom of the food chain and never being able to move up and most importantly, her hate, no loathe, for being pushed around by lions who thought they were better than and way above everyone else and that everyone should worship and bow down to them. The female remembered what she and Banzai had said about lions, and how they were pushy, hairy, stinky and ugly, moments before Scar had got the idea to kill Mufasa and Simba. And Banz was right. Lions were exactly that. Shenzi starting to plot revenge from where she sat while they and everyone else would be celebrating the birth. Oh, revenge was going to be sweet. Very sweet. The glare on her face transformed into a malicious grin as she thought about all the possibilities.    

"So..what are we going to do now, Shenz?"

If the voice didn't tip off Shenzi that her friend, (well more than friend now) was here, it was definitely the feeling of his fur next to hers. It felt kind of nice in a weird way. The female's grin disappeared, as she turned her head around and smiled a little at the male, at least something good came out of the whole situation. "Took ya long enough to get your ass down here, Banz." The female joked, loud enough for only them to hear, not the rest of the Outlanders. They didn't need to know what the two hyenas were talking about. Judging by the way he grumbled the words out, Shenzi guessed that Banz was also concerned about what was going to happen to the clan. That or he was concerned about what was going to happen to him. She turned her head back and stared at the group, "I don't know Banz, but we should get the fuck outta here." The hyena muttered back to him, yellow eyes darted around the area they were in, worried, hopefully no-one was watching them.

"Heh heh heh," "Do now? What ARE we going to do, Banzai? Have something planned?" 

Shenzi turned her head around to see where the voice came from. It was one of her clan members, Griffin. She was pissed off that the white-maned male thought he could walk up to them like he was their friend and flat out ask about their plans. What the fuck did you just say, Griffin? And you don't need to know either. Before Banz could get the chance to retort at the other male, the female got in first. "You don't need to fucking know, Griffin." The stabbing feeling in her legs and paws had finally passed. Seeing no reason to be there anymore and celebrate the birth of the Animal Villian's youngest members and future monarchs, Shenzi got up and stretched her legs. Then the hyena turned around, she started to walk away from the growing group of soldiers. If she and Banzai were going to discuss things, the female wanted to do it somewhere that wasn't so crowded and noisy. "Banz, c'mon, we gotta go somewhere else." 

(OOC Post: Banzai, I guess we move onto the other thread we discussed? And Shenzi just left the thread.)