HOME | DD

Description
  Although Zira was anxious to go through with her plan, she realized that the time was not yet ripe. There were just too many aspects working against her. There was also another factor that made her hesitate; a factor that Simba had unwittingly brought up. Neither Vitani nor Nuka had Betrotheds or even cubs their own age to play with and some day rule over. True, Kovu and Vitani played together and Hasina was good friends with Nuka but they weren’t proper Betrotheds.

  So it was with great glee that Zira assembled her lionesses in private and told them that they would be heading for the eastern borders in a few days. And when the lionesses seemed to groan and complain, she told them that once there, they had her permission to go out and seek rogues to father their cubs. The pride needed fresh bloodlines, and seeing as the cubs would likely be born in the mid to late summer, it felt like the most optimal time. Zira warned her lionesses, however, not to alert any of the Pridelanders to their exploits as the other pridesisters may become jealous and nag Simba to allow them to go out and do the same. And, seeing as Simba’s own cub had yet to be born, there was a chance he could decline the Pridelander lionesses' request, and punish the Outlanders for doing so without his permission.

  “He need not know of how we are weakened and aging and need new blood to fill in. Besides, my Vitani needs a Betrothed and we don’t want to wait too long for an age gap between the two. So, go with my blessing to seek out strong and handsome rogues and don’t come back until you are carrying the next generation of our pride.” The lionesses were now very eager to get underway, Zira smirking at it all. For not only was she winning back the lionesses' support and putting a stopper to Simba’s betrothal plans, this would also put some distance between her and the crime scene when the time came for her to exact her plans of bloody vengeance.

  In the mean time, Zira went to tell Simba her plans of moving her pride out East. “It is near our ancestral home, and we will know how to hunt in that area better then your lionesses so it only makes sense for us to move out there. But worry not, for I’ll still check in now and again to inform you of our exploits so you won’t have to hassle with a messenger. And I’ll be leaving you with my lioness Furaja. She seems to fit in so well here that I cannot stand to part her from the many friends that she has made in your pride.” Furaja, upon hearing this, was very thrilled and thanked Zira greatly before racing off to tell her friends. It all worked out rather well, for Zira had made sure that Furaja had not been present at the private meeting. She would not allow that weak-hearted lioness the chance to breed. Simba, however, seemed rather saddened and worried.

  “Are you sure, Zira? You won’t be as well protected out there. Especially with young cubs.”

  Zira assured Simba that they would be fine, for her people were built for such conditions. Seeming more assured, Simba gave his approval.

  “And while you’re out there, please do consider my proposal of betrothing our children. It could really help both our people.”

  Zira felt a sting and almost sneered at him for his remark, but she managed to put on a smile at the last minute. “Oh, worry not. The matter of my children’s Betrotheds has been heavy on my mind as of late.” With that, they set off, Zira all too glad to be getting away from the despicable king.

                                                                   ~*~

  Once out on the eastern border, the pridesisters set out immediately in search of a mate. Zira, Alijali, Hasina and the cubs were the only ones that remained behind. In the following weeks, Zira found herself too busy with hunting, training Nuka, and checking with Furaja and Simba to even think about her plans of vengeance. But when her lionesses finally returned, with about half of them successful in their exploits, Zira was ready to put her plan into motion.

  After moving her pride a bit closer to Pride Rock, Zira set off one early morning to finish up the last minute aspects of her plan. First stop was the canyon, to make sure that her plan would not fail and there were be no witnesses. To her relief, everything checked out perfectly. Next up was to find Furaja and speak to her in private.

  By luck, Furaja was outside the den site that morning, watching the sunrise. After getting her attention, Zira motioned for the younger lioness to follow, leading her into the lower den sites before she spoke to her. “Thank the spirit I managed to find you. I have some news for Sarabi and I want you to deliver it.” Furaja instantly perked up, intent on what Zira had to say. “What is it, my lady?”

  “I was out hunting earlier this morning, when I heard some noise coming from the canyon in the southern border. It seems some herd animals have gotten trapped down there looking for water, and they need someone to lead them out. And, since the people of the kingdom are still wary of me, I thought you could go and inform Sarabi in my place, seeing as she and the Pridelanders trust and respect your word. You could lead them there and help in rescuing those poor animals.”

  Taking this information in, the golden-brown lioness nodded, thinking intently. “I see... but why don’t you come with us? You know where these animals are, and can lead us down into the canyon.”

  “NO!” Furaja jumped at Zira’s sudden outburst but the older lioness was quick to resolve the matter. “No, my dear. I want you to be the one to tell them and show them the way. You’ve been doing such a good job recently, and I want you to take the glory. I’ll tell you where they’re at and you can lead the pride to them.” At this, Furaja eagerly agreed, her desperate aim to please over-riding all else. So Zira told her where the herd animals were located and how to get down into the canyon before the young lioness sprinted off to tell Sarabi. Zira waited a moment before she slinked after her, keen on eavesdropping on the conversation. She made her way to the far back where she knew there was a small opening that allowed viewing into the dens. The opening was just big enough for a lion’s head to fit through, and Zira lay down to watch the conversation.

  As she watched, she mentally reviewed her set plan, thinking it over for the tasks that would need to be done. Furaja would lead the old queen to the gorge alongside her son, as he would be bound to want to investigate and assist. And with the other huntresses out and her mate gone, Nala and her unborn cub would left be all alone to befall an “accident.” With her and her wretched spawn gone, Zira could rush back to the canyon, hopefully in time to intercept Furaja, Simba, and Sarabi befall their own tragedy. It was Zira's hope to kill all three, but as both Furaja and Simba were still young and strong, she’d likely have to settle with only killing Sarabi, her old nemesis. But if she was lucky, Simba would be severely injured from the fall, leaving him crippled. That, along with the double tragedy of losing both his mother and his mate and unborn child would be too much for Simba, he’d be heartbroken, and this would make it laughably easy for Zira to worm her way into the king's good graces. Then, when she decided she'd had enough of his misplaced and foolish trust, she’d lead him off away from the pride, to where her son Nuka lay in wait to finish off the crippled king. Simba's line would be destroyed, thus would Vitani inherit the throne and continue Scar's line, Zira and her lionesses also back in power. And, seeing as Furaja was a spineless imbecile and terrified of upsetting Zira, even if she did manage to survive the "accident", she’d never speak a word of this.

  The plan was not foolproof, as Zira had hoped to kill Nala in the landslide along with Sarabi and Simba, but she knew the king would not allow his beloved mate to venture into the gorge where his father had died. But Zira underestimated Nala’s inner fire and the power she held against her mate, as she soon witnessed from her secret observation post.

As expected, when Furaja explained the scenario to Simba and Sarabi, the old queen took her cue and asked Furaja to lead the way. Sadly, Simba had some matter he needed to handle on the western borders involving the crocodiles in the river. Zira cursed her luck, having hoped to have gotten the king as well, though she knew the death of two kings in the same gorge would look rather suspicious. So she settled with ridding herself of the queen and her old friend, for Sarafina had volunteered to go as well. That would only cause further pain to Simba and make it all the more easier to get to him in the future. But just as everyone was about to set off, the heavily pregnant Nala spoke up.

  “Wait up Sarabi, I’ll come with you. I’ve been meaning to take a walk outside the den, anyway, and this could provide the chance for me to interact with the people and get on good terms with them.”

  But Simba looked worried. “Nala, are you sure that’s such a good idea? I mean, with you so close to term, what if something happens while you’re out there?”

  Amused at her mate's protective nature, Nala chuckled. “Oh relax, Simba. I’ll be fine.”

  Simba didn't look convinced. “But what if...”

  Chuckling lightly, Nala lovingly swatted him on the nose. “Simba, I know that you're understandably scared of the gorge, and history being repeated, but it will be fine! I’m not due for several more weeks yet, the hyenas have been gone for nearly a year, and no large herds have been seen near the area for quite some time. Besides, I’ll have my mother and yours with me, and a young lioness that can report back to you if something does happen. Just trust me and go on your patrol and put me out of your head.”

  Knowing he'd been defeated by his mate's headstrong nature yet again, Simba sighed. “I guess you're right. Just be careful, my love.” They hugged then, before the group set off, although Nala, in her heavily pregnant condition, slowed them down. Zira had to force herself not to laugh or cry in joy; that stupid lioness was making it far too easy for her. The chance of getting rid of Simba’s mother, mother-in-law, mate, and unborn cub all in one fell swoop? Oh, Scar must be smiling up in his place amongst the stars! But she couldn’t get too caught up in the moment, for she still had to follow through with her task and complete the job before she celebrated. Rushing on ahead, she kept out of sight from all eyes as she made her way to the canyon, intent on getting there before Furaja, Sarabi, Sarafina and Nala.
_____________________

First | Previous | Next
_____________________

Lord I HATE getting sick, especially when I have work to be done. And combine bad internet and you can imagine why this upload is a tad late. Oh well, tis life.
So in this one, we FINALLY get to see what Zira's elaborate ploy is: rather nasty piece of work there. The only question now is, how much of it works.
Tried something new for the illustration here. Haven't decided yet if I like it or not, may change it later if the mood suites me. Your thoughts?

All things related to TLK © Disney
Artwork, concept and story © Me
Editing © corruptangel315
Please do not use in any way, shape or form without proper consent from me and without using proper referencing. Thank you.

Description
  Although Zira was anxious to go through with her plan, she realized that the time was not yet ripe. There were just too many aspects working against her. There was also another factor that made her hesitate; a factor that Simba had unwittingly brought up. Neither Vitani nor Nuka had Betrotheds or even cubs their own age to play with and some day rule over. True, Kovu and Vitani played together and Hasina was good friends with Nuka but they weren’t proper Betrotheds.

  So it was with great glee that Zira assembled her lionesses in private and told them that they would be heading for the eastern borders in a few days. And when the lionesses seemed to groan and complain, she told them that once there, they had her permission to go out and seek rogues to father their cubs. The pride needed fresh bloodlines, and seeing as the cubs would likely be born in the mid to late summer, it felt like the most optimal time. Zira warned her lionesses, however, not to alert any of the Pridelanders to their exploits as the other pridesisters may become jealous and nag Simba to allow them to go out and do the same. And, seeing as Simba’s own cub had yet to be born, there was a chance he could decline the Pridelander lionesses' request, and punish the Outlanders for doing so without his permission.

  “He need not know of how we are weakened and aging and need new blood to fill in. Besides, my Vitani needs a Betrothed and we don’t want to wait too long for an age gap between the two. So, go with my blessing to seek out strong and handsome rogues and don’t come back until you are carrying the next generation of our pride.” The lionesses were now very eager to get underway, Zira smirking at it all. For not only was she winning back the lionesses' support and putting a stopper to Simba’s betrothal plans, this would also put some distance between her and the crime scene when the time came for her to exact her plans of bloody vengeance.

  In the mean time, Zira went to tell Simba her plans of moving her pride out East. “It is near our ancestral home, and we will know how to hunt in that area better then your lionesses so it only makes sense for us to move out there. But worry not, for I’ll still check in now and again to inform you of our exploits so you won’t have to hassle with a messenger. And I’ll be leaving you with my lioness Furaja. She seems to fit in so well here that I cannot stand to part her from the many friends that she has made in your pride.” Furaja, upon hearing this, was very thrilled and thanked Zira greatly before racing off to tell her friends. It all worked out rather well, for Zira had made sure that Furaja had not been present at the private meeting. She would not allow that weak-hearted lioness the chance to breed. Simba, however, seemed rather saddened and worried.

  “Are you sure, Zira? You won’t be as well protected out there. Especially with young cubs.”

  Zira assured Simba that they would be fine, for her people were built for such conditions. Seeming more assured, Simba gave his approval.

  “And while you’re out there, please do consider my proposal of betrothing our children. It could really help both our people.”

  Zira felt a sting and almost sneered at him for his remark, but she managed to put on a smile at the last minute. “Oh, worry not. The matter of my children’s Betrotheds has been heavy on my mind as of late.” With that, they set off, Zira all too glad to be getting away from the despicable king.

                                                                   ~*~

  Once out on the eastern border, the pridesisters set out immediately in search of a mate. Zira, Alijali, Hasina and the cubs were the only ones that remained behind. In the following weeks, Zira found herself too busy with hunting, training Nuka, and checking with Furaja and Simba to even think about her plans of vengeance. But when her lionesses finally returned, with about half of them successful in their exploits, Zira was ready to put her plan into motion.

  After moving her pride a bit closer to Pride Rock, Zira set off one early morning to finish up the last minute aspects of her plan. First stop was the canyon, to make sure that her plan would not fail and there were be no witnesses. To her relief, everything checked out perfectly. Next up was to find Furaja and speak to her in private.

  By luck, Furaja was outside the den site that morning, watching the sunrise. After getting her attention, Zira motioned for the younger lioness to follow, leading her into the lower den sites before she spoke to her. “Thank the spirit I managed to find you. I have some news for Sarabi and I want you to deliver it.” Furaja instantly perked up, intent on what Zira had to say. “What is it, my lady?”

  “I was out hunting earlier this morning, when I heard some noise coming from the canyon in the southern border. It seems some herd animals have gotten trapped down there looking for water, and they need someone to lead them out. And, since the people of the kingdom are still wary of me, I thought you could go and inform Sarabi in my place, seeing as she and the Pridelanders trust and respect your word. You could lead them there and help in rescuing those poor animals.”

  Taking this information in, the golden-brown lioness nodded, thinking intently. “I see... but why don’t you come with us? You know where these animals are, and can lead us down into the canyon.”

  “NO!” Furaja jumped at Zira’s sudden outburst but the older lioness was quick to resolve the matter. “No, my dear. I want you to be the one to tell them and show them the way. You’ve been doing such a good job recently, and I want you to take the glory. I’ll tell you where they’re at and you can lead the pride to them.” At this, Furaja eagerly agreed, her desperate aim to please over-riding all else. So Zira told her where the herd animals were located and how to get down into the canyon before the young lioness sprinted off to tell Sarabi. Zira waited a moment before she slinked after her, keen on eavesdropping on the conversation. She made her way to the far back where she knew there was a small opening that allowed viewing into the dens. The opening was just big enough for a lion’s head to fit through, and Zira lay down to watch the conversation.

  As she watched, she mentally reviewed her set plan, thinking it over for the tasks that would need to be done. Furaja would lead the old queen to the gorge alongside her son, as he would be bound to want to investigate and assist. And with the other huntresses out and her mate gone, Nala and her unborn cub would left be all alone to befall an “accident.” With her and her wretched spawn gone, Zira could rush back to the canyon, hopefully in time to intercept Furaja, Simba, and Sarabi befall their own tragedy. It was Zira's hope to kill all three, but as both Furaja and Simba were still young and strong, she’d likely have to settle with only killing Sarabi, her old nemesis. But if she was lucky, Simba would be severely injured from the fall, leaving him crippled. That, along with the double tragedy of losing both his mother and his mate and unborn child would be too much for Simba, he’d be heartbroken, and this would make it laughably easy for Zira to worm her way into the king's good graces. Then, when she decided she'd had enough of his misplaced and foolish trust, she’d lead him off away from the pride, to where her son Nuka lay in wait to finish off the crippled king. Simba's line would be destroyed, thus would Vitani inherit the throne and continue Scar's line, Zira and her lionesses also back in power. And, seeing as Furaja was a spineless imbecile and terrified of upsetting Zira, even if she did manage to survive the "accident", she’d never speak a word of this.

  The plan was not foolproof, as Zira had hoped to kill Nala in the landslide along with Sarabi and Simba, but she knew the king would not allow his beloved mate to venture into the gorge where his father had died. But Zira underestimated Nala’s inner fire and the power she held against her mate, as she soon witnessed from her secret observation post.

As expected, when Furaja explained the scenario to Simba and Sarabi, the old queen took her cue and asked Furaja to lead the way. Sadly, Simba had some matter he needed to handle on the western borders involving the crocodiles in the river. Zira cursed her luck, having hoped to have gotten the king as well, though she knew the death of two kings in the same gorge would look rather suspicious. So she settled with ridding herself of the queen and her old friend, for Sarafina had volunteered to go as well. That would only cause further pain to Simba and make it all the more easier to get to him in the future. But just as everyone was about to set off, the heavily pregnant Nala spoke up.

  “Wait up Sarabi, I’ll come with you. I’ve been meaning to take a walk outside the den, anyway, and this could provide the chance for me to interact with the people and get on good terms with them.”

  But Simba looked worried. “Nala, are you sure that’s such a good idea? I mean, with you so close to term, what if something happens while you’re out there?”

  Amused at her mate's protective nature, Nala chuckled. “Oh relax, Simba. I’ll be fine.”

  Simba didn't look convinced. “But what if...”

  Chuckling lightly, Nala lovingly swatted him on the nose. “Simba, I know that you're understandably scared of the gorge, and history being repeated, but it will be fine! I’m not due for several more weeks yet, the hyenas have been gone for nearly a year, and no large herds have been seen near the area for quite some time. Besides, I’ll have my mother and yours with me, and a young lioness that can report back to you if something does happen. Just trust me and go on your patrol and put me out of your head.”

  Knowing he'd been defeated by his mate's headstrong nature yet again, Simba sighed. “I guess you're right. Just be careful, my love.” They hugged then, before the group set off, although Nala, in her heavily pregnant condition, slowed them down. Zira had to force herself not to laugh or cry in joy; that stupid lioness was making it far too easy for her. The chance of getting rid of Simba’s mother, mother-in-law, mate, and unborn cub all in one fell swoop? Oh, Scar must be smiling up in his place amongst the stars! But she couldn’t get too caught up in the moment, for she still had to follow through with her task and complete the job before she celebrated. Rushing on ahead, she kept out of sight from all eyes as she made her way to the canyon, intent on getting there before Furaja, Sarabi, Sarafina and Nala.
_____________________

First | Previous | Next
_____________________

Lord I HATE getting sick, especially when I have work to be done. And combine bad internet and you can imagine why this upload is a tad late. Oh well, tis life.
So in this one, we FINALLY get to see what Zira's elaborate ploy is: rather nasty piece of work there. The only question now is, how much of it works.
Tried something new for the illustration here. Haven't decided yet if I like it or not, may change it later if the mood suites me. Your thoughts?

All things related to TLK © Disney
Artwork, concept and story © Me
Editing © corruptangel315
Please do not use in any way, shape or form without proper consent from me and without using proper referencing. Thank you.