Chapter 11 – Fury
A few years later again.
The Pride had only just recovered from the loss of four of the cubs. Amani spent most of the time with her parents and away from Zuberi, who followed Chimalsi around, learning to be King.
Suddenly, the peace and tranquillity ended. Kabili managed to catch another illness which was no match for his already weakened immune system and perished. Unfortunately, this disease was caught by the rest of the Pride and the eldest and weakest also perished. Very soon, only Chimalsi, Wema, Amani, Zuberi, Busara and a few other lionesses were left in Pride Rock. The laughter never came and any happiness the place once had was washed away by the tears of the survivors.
However, Zuberi was getting impatient. His father felt like he could still rule the Pridelands without help, so he knew he had to go. He planned another plan, similar to Bakari’s death, and soon, he was to be King.
One evening, Zuberi approached his father on the top of Pride Rock. Chimalsi looked grey and tired after all that had happened to his Pride. Creeping silently towards Chimalsi, Zuberi gave his father an almighty shove. Chimalsi fell, but managed to catch a glimpse of his son, grinning evilly before the ground rushed up to meet him.
Amani saw Chimalsi fell and rushed out to his body. He wasn’t moving and she scented Zuberi on his fur.
“Zuberi!” She roared.
Zuberi ran down to meet her, teeth bared, but Wema intercepted.
“Don’t you dare go near my daughter, you murderer.” She whispered, whilst preparing for an attack.
Zuberi leapt at Wema and they began to fight. Wema hadn’t improved much since the day she got attacked by hyenas and soon, Zuberi overpowered her, but not before she managed to add several scars to the one that was caused all those years ago.
“Mother!” Amani cried as she saw her take her final breath, exhausted on the grass.
Zuberi walked purposely towards Amani.
“Join me.”
“NEVER!”
Zuberi roared and Amani ran into Pride Rock. She knew Zuberi was unstable and ready to attack at any moment. She warned the lionesses and Busara to run and get out before anything could happen to them. Busara agreed to protect the lionesses and they left. When Zuberi arrived, panting and drooling, Amani went over to him and smacked his face, which just made him angrier. He grabbed her back with his claws and told her that she had to be his. Crying in pain, Amani agreed, knowing that the goodness inside her heart might change the blackness inside of his.