(In Progress) The Lion King: The Three Rulers

Part I - A Growing Evil

       Zira stared at the strange lion and snake in front of her. She could have thought of many things at that moment, even questioning how she was alive after what happened. Yet something else seemed more important on her mind.

ZIRA: "You knew Scar?!!!", she would've been more animated if it were not for her terrible injuries. 

UNKNOWN LION: "Yes, and let me guess you have a grudge against King Simba and his heirs.", he said almost in a snarl.

ZIRA: "How do you know that?", she almost spat.

UNKNOWN LION: "You and I are not that much different. Although I'd argue my revenge against him and his family is greater than yours or even Scar's", he said in a chillingly calm manner.

ZIRA: "And why is that?", she replied.

UNKNOWN LION: "All will be clear soon enough my dear, now then, lets get you to my glorious kingdom shall we?", he said as two tigers appeared from the bushes behind him.

ZIRA: "Get back!", she snarled.

UNKNOWN LION: "Zira, you should have more courtesy to your fellow future comrades in war. This here to my right is Kael, he will be helping you along with his fellow soldier to my kingdom as you are still wounded.", he said as he paced to help Zira up.

       Zira growled a bit.

UNKNOWN SNAKE: "And don't worry, he hassss done more death and destruction than you did. You are in good handsssss", she hissed in amusement and counter to Zira's distrust.

       Zira was helpless in her situation anyway. Events flashed back of her defeat, her own forces turning against her. She shook her head. Her only option at this point seemed to be to follow what this strange lion told her. After a while of walking, painfully in Zira's case, they arrived at the kingdom, or at least that is what it was said to be. The area was a wasteland, shrouded in cloudy darkness. The only living things seemed to be predators standing in ranks before their king and the group as they walked up towards a rock ledge. Hundreds soon appeared. They stopped at the bottom of the ledge as the strange lion stood on top over them and his amassed predators.

UNKNOWN LION: My subjects! Far too long has the Pridelands and Tree of Life been under the rule of those unworthy to hold such power. That ends now! Our army grows larger and stronger by the day and now we have a two new members to add.", he glanced at a lioness who appeared from behind Zira, "Do you accept?", he asked the lioness.

UNKNOWN LIONESS: "No! Why would I?! You brought me here against my will, plus you won't even tell-", she never finished.

       The king glanced over to Kael and two of his fellow tigers next to him and gave a nod in which they snuffed out the life of the lioness with quicker than Zira could have imagined. She was slightly terrified, yet a bit impressed.

UNKNOWN LION: "Now then, to our next potential member... do you accept", he asked in a tone as if nothing happened.

       Zira thought for a quick second and replied.

ZIRA: "Yes. Of course. For an end to Simba's reign and his heirs...", she stated coldly.

UNKNOWN LION: "Very good! Now bow....", he commanded.

       Zira normally wouldn't have ever listed to such a command, especially from a lion she barely knew, but he did know Scar, wanted revenge against her common enemy, and would likely kill her if she didn't. Plus he saved her. Zira bowed.

UNKNOWN LION: "Zira, you will be henceforth known as General Zira of the Dark Kingdom, General to it's glorious ruler Mshindi! Now rise!", he exclaimed.

CROWD: "Our great general Zira!", they shouted as they all bowed to Zira as she rose.

      Zira smiled wickedly. Now she had a truly faithful army at her command. Meanwhile, King Mshindi looked down in content. Everything was going to plan... Suddenly, a tiger approached him.

KAEL: "My king...", he said as he bowed.

KING MSHINDI: "Ah, Kael, what is it. This better be important...", he said coldly as he scratched his claws along the rock as he approached almost making sparks.

KAEL: "Do you think she will really be a good fit, I mean you never told her of your real history with Scar and the Pride Lands...", he said nervously.

KING MSHINDI: "Yes, but she will be of use to us, so long as you keep it that way. I can tell something else is bothering you though...", he growled lowly.

KAEL: "My king, I was wondering if the plan was to still attack The Tree of Life, now under King Kion", he further asked in somewhat a sense of fear.

KING MSHINDI: "Yes. However, you will not be there.", he replied.

KAEL: "But...", he started.

KING MSHINDI: " After your last failure, you don't get a say!", he growled tremendously, as he stood right in Kael's face, his eyes narrowed in rage. "You are too recognizable at the Tree of Life. No..."

         King Mshindi paced away for a second, then returned to his uncomfortably close stare at Kael who almost looked like he was about to whimper in fear at that outburst.

KING MSHINDI: "No, Kael, you have a more important role in a different place...", he said with a disturbingly wicked grin as he turned back to face Kael.

       King Mshindi then looked back over his large army amassed and Zira who was still below as he let out a great roar, then smiled wickedly as he planned his next move.