Peace for the Soul ~ A Lion King Fanfiction

Chapter 12: Fields of the Forgotten

I hear the soft and gentle purrs that stir me from my sleep. My eyes slowly open to see Fuli's slender figure, cuddled up to me. What I thought was an act of concern, felt more like an act of intimacy. 'Why does she do this for me?' I settle to the fact that she must just be as lonely as I am, it's my fault that we both know the same pain. My thoughts wonder, until...

"Kion, you stayed?" I turn to Fuli, suddenly flushed. "Of course I stayed, why wouldn't I?" Her look turns fearful, "The Game of Tears." It dawned on me, the potential key to my freedom, though deep in thought I knew I wanted to stay here. Cheetahs were much different from Lions. From the moment they wake, to the moment they sleep, they dedicate their work wholly to protecting themselves and each other. I have never seen compassion like this before. It's what made them unique, they weren't at the top of the food chain, and thus the commitment to survival was their biggest priority.

Something else prodded me to stay, but I push it away, not knowing if it was real or just a feeling...

"Let me get you ready." She slowly stands to her paws, that's when I really take in her figure for the first real time. Every curve and plush piece of texture, 'Why am I thinking of this?!' She ushers me to join,

Fuli stands me up and begins cleaning my mane, stroking her claws and licking away at it, sending chills down my spine as her rough yet somehow soft tongue traces my neck. She moves down to brushing my fur, lapping over every muscle and inch of my back, shoulders and arms. Finally tidying my paws, gently cleaning them as they are incredibly sensitive.

Every tender touch, her soothing tongue lapping my fur, it all felt so intimate, almost as if she has some sort of feeling for me, no, that can't be real, we aren't even the same species! Why am I still thinking about this?! As she was doing straightening my mane, she brushed her paw down and along my shoulder, raising her gaze to look deep into my eyes, those gorgeous orbs of bright green met mine of amber, communicating so much without a single word. I have only felt this way with one other animal before...

She starts to bow her head, revealing a heart shaped mark on her forehead. I slowly lower my head to hers and place it gently on hers, providing a warm and almost sensual sensation, feeling a subtle purring coming from her, and gently turning our heads to sooth each other's spirits, "I'm sorry." I open my eyes and raise my head, to meet her eyes once more and reply, "There is nothing you should be sorry for." She looks at me again, with a look of a mixture of sorrow and need, with that she leans in and nuzzles me, sending a wave chills down my spine and warmth throughout my body, "Your not like them..." I hear her quite voice make it's presents known, she then lowers her head and I place mine to hers once again, not knowing if this will be the last time we see each other.

A sudden series of chirps could be heard across the valley, the signal for the contenders to rally. I turn to Fuli, for all I know could be the last time, "You have been so kind to me Fuli, I will never forget you." We stare into each other's eyes, it pained me to break contact. I slowly turn and march to the open plain where the other contenders were waiting.

I join my friends, all of which look nervous. "Guys..." Bunga walks up to me, facing me Beshte and Ono, "If this is it, I couldn't think of anyone else I'd go out there with." He walks up and hugs us. A gesture which was kind of surprising, as he was always so upbeat and excited, he must actually be nervous.

"Indeed."

"Poa."

Sudden chirps signal Heshima's arrival, he stands tall and proud. "You are all ready to embark on the game of tears. You will be examined and tested, they will check your souls, your history, and your ancestry. If you conquer your demons you will be free to come and leave my valley as you please, if not, you may never be the same again." 'Well perfect, just lost points for ancestry, and who is this...they?' I thought.

"The centuries, will take the contenders to the fields of forgotten. Once in the games, all bets are off, you may kill or spare whom ever you choose. Just be careful, as the games are not about killing each other, it will make you look, 'more unstable' in front of your examiners."

He walks down to us, biding each of us luck as we are about to embark on the games. He stops at me, holding a proud gaze. He pulls out a ring and places it on my paw, "What is it for?" He stands back up, "'The warrior who in his mind fights tyranny and strife, will be protected by me all of his life.' You will need this."

A sudden pain in my head caused everything to go dark, moments of being pulled, dragged or forced softly enter and exit my mind. My eyes peak to the sound of chirping...

I see myself in an open plain, surrounded by my friends all spaced out. 'This is just like my dream...' My thoughts are screaming. I make eye contact with my friends, they all shake their heads, clearly worried. I hear the roar of pounding of drums, getting louder and louder with every beat, until they cease and chirping sounds come from nearby and with that, every animal in that circle turns to each other or to run. I run in the opposite direction.

Not knowing where to go, what to do, not even who to trust...