CHAPTER:  MATCH POINT

	Shenzi began circling Uhuru slowly, sizing him up.  He was 
smaller, but he was very quick and agile.
	Fighting to remember all his mother had taught him about combat, 
Uhuru kept his head low to the ground, trying to give her the smallest 
target possible.
	"Kill her!" Azuba shouted.  "See if her Roh'kash comes to her aid!  
I think not!"
	Suddenly Shenzi lunged, jaw snapping and claws swinging for 
purchase in his living flesh.  Most of the lions watched spellbound as 
the battle raged on, but all Isha could think of was her son.  She began 
looking about frantically calling, "Habu!  It's Mommy!  Answer me, Habu!  
Oh gods, answer me!"
	Hyenas began to gather, watching the two combatants.  Ber shouted, 
"Bite her once for me!  Make a guard out of me, will she!"  Hopping mad, 
Ber shoved through to take a position where he could see well.  "Come 
on, boy!  I'm praying for you!"
	Shenzi managed to get in a blow, raking Uhuru's shoulder and 
bringing blood.  A couple of adolescent females began to chant, "Shenzi, 
Shenzi, rule forever!"  Ber snarled at them viscously and they hushed 
up.
	Isha frantically went from one hyena to another.  "Please help me!  
Please!  Have you seen my son?  I'll do anything, just tell me where he 
is!"
	Most of them denied any knowledge.  Some of them truly did not 
know, and many others were afraid.  But a few were obviously Shenzists 
and they took great pleasure in her discomfort.  Isha wished she could 
tell who those were and kill them one by one.  At last she came to 
Makhpil, who pawed her gently, fell to the ground and tried desperately 
to concentrate.  All the noise and the confusing Babel of thoughts 
conspired to drown out her inner voice, and she whined in frustration.  
"Honey Tree, I'm trying but I can't hear myself think!"
	"Quiet!!" Isha roared.  "Quiet down all of you if you want to 
live!!"
	Makhpil rolled on her back, pressing her paws against her face.  
All the aggression and excitement flowing through her from all sides was 
dizzying and she could make little sense out of it.
	The battle seemed to take forever as two combatants struggled to 
stave off death.  There could be no other conclusion.  Uhuru was getting 
the advantage, however, and it seemed likely to all the witnesses, lion 
and hyena, that Shenzi would lose.
	Shenzi began to gasp.  Her body was riddled with wounds.  Jackals 
had gathered to watch, ready to claim their share of the action.  If the 
enemy is respected, they would get a body snuffed with a merciful neck 
bite.  If the enemy was held in contempt, they would get a miserable, 
pleading victim that would shriek as its flesh was ripped away.  Either 
way, they would be well fed.
	Uhuru's paw struck her high on the face, sending her sprawling.  A 
paw slapped down on either shoulder, pinning her neatly to the ground.   
He bared his teeth, but paused a moment to think.  Should he make it 
quick?  Shenzi looked at him pleadingly.  "Please show respect.  Kill me 
quickly."  She closed her eyes and began to pray.
	Skulk came in, doing his best to look grief stricken.  "I am 
saddened by the heavy burden of the news I bring, but it is my duty to 
inform you, Roh'mach."
	Uhuru cocked an ear toward him, but kept his gaze locked on 
Shenzi, wary of a trick.  "Speak up, Skulk, and be quick.  What do you 
want?"
	Skulk spat a mouthful of golden fur into the circle before the two 
combatants.  "There is all that remains of the lion cub.  One of 
Shenzi's traitorous guards decided to have him for a snack."
	Isha shrieked.  She hurried forward and scented the tuft of fur, 
then rolled on her back in agony.  "Oh gods!" she sobbed.  "They killed 
my baby!  My son, my son!"  She took the small furball in her paw and 
held it against her chest sobbing.  "Why??  Why did you want to hurt 
him??  He was an innocent little boy!  Why??"
	Makhpil fell moaning by her side and lay across her trembling 
body, kissing her and stroking her with a paw.  "My koh'met!  My poor 
little koh'met!  You can be my mother.  I will find the guilty ones and 
bring you their hearts!  You will grow fat on their hearts!"
	Kako wailed and Uzuri leaned against her.  "So close!" Uzuri 
sobbed.  "We were so close!  Uhuru, don't finish it!  Leave her to the 
jackals--I want to hear her scream, and every time she does, I'll 
laugh!"  She looked at the jackals and cried loudly, "Don't rush it!  I 
promise you a gazelle if you do a good job!"
	The jackals nodded greedily.  "Leave it to us!"
	Uhuru looked at the fur disbelievingly.  "You mean..."
	Skulk nodded sadly.  "I'm afraid so.  I'm afraid that once the 
combat is complete, you will have to be executed, milord.  You did swear 
with your life to redeem the cub."
	Shenzi glared at him, a smile on her face.  "I didn't think you 
had it in you!"
	"Slow and painful!" cried the jackals.  "Leave it to us!  Leave it 
to us!"  They began to edge closer, their eyes glowing red with 
anticipation.  "We eat well tonight!"
	Suddenly, a small cub gamboled past.  "Hey, Shenzi!  Hey, Uhuru!"
	"Shut up, Habu," she snarled.  Freezing, she did a double take.  
"Habu?!!"
	Habusu ran to his mother who wept and rolled on her back, hugging 
him to her warm stomach and kissing him.  "Oh, I could eat you up!" she 
stammered, and kissed him repeatedly, uttering little cries of joy and 
rubbing his small golden body.  Makhpil wept with joy, kissing the cub.  
One of Isha's large paws caught her and drew her near.  What Taka and 
Shenzi could not achieve through force, Uhuru and Makhpil accomplished 
through love.  The dark days were over and all was set to rights under 
Uhuru's watchful eye.


CHAPTER:  PARTING OF THE WAYS

	Sarafina was settling down for her nap.  Uzuri and Isha were 
together, as they tended to be, asleep side by side.  Life was returning 
to normal, and they did not have to spend hours every day on the hunt 
anymore.  Life was good.
	When Zazu flew excitedly overhead shouting, "Great news!" Sarafina 
glanced up for a moment and muttered, "That's nice."  She snuggled into 
Kako's side and drew in a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh.
	Under the warmth of the sun, the world moved at a slower pace.  No 
one was expected to do anything important at high-sun, and it was an 
unspoken rule of leonine society that you let sleeping bodies lie.  With 
one exception, of course, and that was an emergency.
	Simba roared.  Sarafina's eyes popped open abruptly.  "What the 
devil??"
	"Pride meeting!  Come to me!"
	Sarafina half closed her eyes.  "This had better be good."
	"It's happening!" Simba said, standing over her.
	"What's happening??" Sarafina asked
	"You'll see!"
	Something about the infectious excitement in his voice made 
Sarafina's heart light.  She lost her scowl and followed him eager to 
see what the mystery was about.
	Isha came over and Simba nuzzled her warmly.  "Isha, I want you, 
Habusu and Miss Priss to come with me.  We're having a Pride Moot at the 
eastern meadow. And your family will sit by me."
	"I'm honored."  She looked at him worriedly.  "Is today the day I 
lose him?  I'm supposed to get two days notice."
	"You will never lose him.  I swear."
	"But the gods?"
	"The gods will rejoice!"
	"It's him, isn't it.  He's come back for me?"
	Simba kissed her.  "I'll give you two guesses."
	Isha's face beamed with joy.  She nuzzled him back, tears in her 
eyes.  "Bless you.  Bless you!"
	"Now now, you don't want to smell like another lion when your 
husband comes!"  He smiled slyly.  "I don't think he's going to want to 
share you with me."
	When the Pride had assembled on the eastern meadow, the lionesses 
began to speculate on what was happening.  Some said Simba planned a 
special mantlement for Habusu.  Others thought Rafiki had found a reason 
for Habusu to be adopted or stay as Prince Consort.  "What's wrong?" 
some of them asked.  "Couldn't he produce a strong heir?"  But others 
said, "I don't think he'd look so happy if there was something wrong 
with him."
	Several minutes passed, but it felt more like an eternity.  Simba 
waited patiently, and as long as he sat there, no one would stir.  A few 
cubs played in the grass, but as long as they kept it quiet no one 
seemed to mind.  But the adults and older youth sat stock still, waiting 
for Simba to give the word to begin.
	An hour passed.  Many of the lions were very restless.  Sarafina 
began to wish she had stayed on her rock and napped.
	Then Zazu shouted.  "Here he is!"
	Several of the lionesses took in a gasp when a large, shapely lion 
came out of the trees.  "Isn't he handsome!" one of the lionesses 
whispered.
	"What a catch!" another one answered.
	The stranger looked at Kako and quietly said, "Mother."
	Kako stared for a moment, her heart full to bursting, then she 
sprang to her feet and rushed to him, putting her arm over his shoulder 
and nuzzling him.  "My son, my son!"
	Sarafina started.  "Mabatu??"
	The stranger nodded, and a wave of shocked delight spread through 
the pride.  They all remembered the adolescent that skulked away with 
ears and tail drooping.  This was a lion.
	Kissing his mother, Mabatu gently led her aside, then went to 
Simba.  Falling down before him, he said, "I touch your mane."
	"I feel it."  Simba nodded to Mabatu and fought to keep a straight 
face as the other lion rose.  "And what brings you to my kingdom?"  He 
half laughed and winked.
	Baba glanced over at the row of lionesses that flanked Simba on 
one side.  "I come to claim what is mine-if she still wants me."
	"Yes, yes, YES!!"  Isha sprang forward and raising on her hind 
legs wrapped her arms around his neck, pawing him and nuzzling him.  
"I'm yours forever!"
	Sarafina cried, "Big boy, you're in for some loving tonight!"
	"I'm the real Isha!" Ajenti yelled.  "She's an impostor!  Take me, 
take me!"
	"Enough of this," Simba said.  "Can't you see they have unfinished 
business?"
	"Can we watch?" Sarafina said.
	"Shame on you, Fini."  Simba chuckled.  "Remember, you're the 
queen's mother."
	Mabatu greeted Isha warmly, but he clearly had some unfinished 
business.  He went to the adolescent lion that bore a certain 
resemblance to the one that was driven out long ago.  A smile spread 
across his face, and Habu brightened.  "Dad?"
	"So this is Habusu."  Mabatu's jaw trembled, his eyes brightening 
as he lifted a paw to touch the face of the youth before him.  "My 
son...."  He looked around.  "He is my son, and the one true heir."  He 
nuzzled Habu gently and added, "It is a small kingdom.  I share it with 
an old lion who lost a challenge.  We are a matched pair, a sunrise and 
a sunset.  But he is a dear friend, and you will grow to love him."
	Lisani came up and nuzzled Isha.
	"And who is this?  My daughter?"
	"Lisani, but we call her Miss Priss.  She is Beesa's daughter--my 
sister died some time ago."  Isha looked at her compassionately.  "What 
do you want to do, Miss Priss?"
	"Auntie Isha, you're my family.  I want to go wherever you go.  
But the nickname stays here, OK?"
	Mabatu smiled.  "Fair enough, Lisani.  I guess that makes five of 
us."
	"You're taking two of my best lionesses, and a second son," Simba 
said.  "You better leave before I change my mind."
	"Three of your best lionesses," Kako said with little modesty but 
great effect.  "Someone has to make sure my son is eating right...."  
She glanced at Isha.  "....and my daughter."
	Thus the visitor from the east went back the way she came.  Many 
of the lionesses watched Isha's departure wistfully, especially Uzuri.  
"There go some of my best friends," she said.
	"Don't you think of leaving too," Simba said, nuzzling her.  "We 
love you, Zuri."
	"Oh, you can't get rid of me that easily," she said, kissing his 
cheek.


CHAPTER:  HOME AT LAST

	Mabatu grunted softly as he shifted position, trying to ease the 
ache on his flanks where Umande lay, her head pillowed comfortably in 
the curve of his haunch.  Mabatu loved his daughter dearly, and enjoyed 
the moments they spent together more and more--of late she had spent 
more time with her young friends, leaving the old lion feeling very 
alone since Baba had left.  With a smile he reached back and caressed 
her cheek, drawing a sleepy smile and a purr of contentment.  She was 
his daughter, and would make some lion a fine mate one day....
	....But right now, she was putting his leg to sleep.
	He laid back and tried to relax.  A botfly settled on his side, 
seeking blood.  He flicked his tail, but it only disturbed the insect 
which fluttered a bit and settled right back.  Another try met with the 
same result, and he began to wonder if the thing was going to explode 
before it quit feeding.
	Without opening her eyes, Umande reached up with a paw and swatted 
his side firmly, splashing his fur with a crimson stain.
	Mabatu eyed it with distaste.  "Messy."
	"But effective, and SO satisfying."  She opened an amber eye and 
smiled.
	"For you, maybe."  He rubbed his sore ribs gently.
	"Poor old lion!  Aren't you glad I'm here to take care of you?"  
She giggled and stood, moving forward to nuzzle his cheek.
	"Absolutely.  I feel better already, now that the blood can get to 
my leg again."  He chuckled softly.
	"Dad!"
	His smile fell as a deep roar cut the air.  "This land is mine!  
Mine!"
	Mabatu's ears pricked up and he answered with a roar of his own.  
"Who land is this??  This land is MINE!"  He struggled to an upright 
position despite his tingling leg.  Cursing his aging body, he staggered 
forward and roared back, "This land is MINE!"
	The challenger's voice was much nearer.  "Then all is still as 
Aiheu wills it, then."  The grass parted to reveal Baba's smiling face.  
"Hello, Father!"
	"Baba!  Welcome home!"  Mabatu breathed a relieved sigh and 
trotted to greet his son, nuzzling the fragrant softness of his mane.  
"I'm so glad to see you!"
	"I'm back, and I have the family!"
	A lioness emerged from the grass.  Baba's face beamed with pride 
as he nuzzled her and looked back at his father.
	"This must be Isha!"
	"Yes, Dad.  My wife and the mother of my son!"
	The lioness rubbed against the King and kissed him.  "You have 
cared for my husband.  I owe you more than I could ever repay."
	"My son has chosen well, I see.  You are even more beautiful than 
he said you were.  Darling daughter, I welcome you with a full heart."
	Isha smiled at him.  "Baba's told me a lot about you."
	"Only the good parts, I hope?"
	She laughed.  "Are there any bad ones?"  Isha cocked her head and 
grunted softly at the grass behind her.  "Come on, kids."
	Two gangly adolescents emerged, one an attractive female, the 
other a young male with the first hints of a mane showing on the nape of 
his neck.  "Sire, this is Lisani, my niece, and Habusu, our son."
	Mabatu craned his great head down and nosed Habu gently, his eyes 
shining.  "You never told me you had a son, Baba."  He grinned and 
wrapped a paw around the young cub, pulling him close.  Habusu smiled up 
at the friendly embrace and nuzzled the old lion.
	"I didn't know myself until I went back."  Baba looked at his son 
proudly.  "Look how big he's grown--I can't believe it!"  He glanced 
back and motioned with a paw, then turned, smiling, to his father.  
"There's someone else I want you to see.  You said you knew my mother 
once, and here she is!"
	Mabatu nodded and sat quietly, waiting as the last newcomer pushed 
her way out of the grasses and stood before him.  His eyes locked on her 
lithe, graceful form, and his breath caught, his heart speeding up in 
his chest until he thought it might burst.
	The King swallowed and nodded once.  "Kako."
	She made her way forward slowly and tensely.  Drawing close to 
Mabatu, she saw the way his eyes regarded her and how his chin trembled.  
"I touch your mane."  She reached out and slowly, sensuously traced the 
curve of his cheek and throat with her paw.  Then she drew close and 
kissed his face.  "Oh gods," she whispered.  "He didn't tell me it was 
you."
	Her breath in his ear made him shudder.  "Steady, old girl.  Keep 
your composure."  He nuzzled her quickly and straightened up.  "Note 
well, all of you.  This is Kako, mother of the Prince.  She will be 
living with us from now on."
	Baba nosed Isha softly.  "Come, let me show you our home.  Come 
on, kids!"
	Habusu and Lisani trotted off behind them, leaving Kako and the 
King behind.  Several of the pride lionesses made their way over and 
fell before Kako's feet.  Shenannii touched her with her tongue.  "My 
sister!  God has sent you back to us!"
	"Yes, Nani!  Oh, I've missed you so much!"  Kako rubbed her old 
hunt mistress's cheek warmly.  "I wondered if you were still as good at 
chasing gerenuk as you used to be."
	"Yes, and still quicker than you are, just like I was then."  
Shenannii's jaw quivered and she lowered her head.  "Welcome home, My 
Lady."
	Kako shuddered.  "No!  Never call me that.  Please!"
	"But why?"
	"For ALL our sakes.  Please address me by name only.  At least in 
front of Baba and his family."  She straightened and looked away.  "You 
know the rules.  I'm just a Pride Sister now, nothing more."
	Shenannii bit her lip and nodded.  "As you wish, Pride Sister.  
But you know how I feel inside.  Gods, I love you, Sis!"  Shenannii 
rubbed heads with her and pawed her shoulder and throat.  "When the 
children are around, that's one thing."  She bowed her head to the 
ground.  "When we're alone, that's different.  Bless me, my Queen."
	Kako touched her forehead with a paw and said, "Aiheu abamami," 
then kissed her.  The other lionesses lined up for a blessing, each one 
bending low before her with love and joy as she touched them and kissed 
them softly.  "It's good to be home."

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