Fallen Allies

Chapter 28 Hell And Eternity

Akili, along with the Pridelanders and the Frostbourne were continuing their journey, everyone was silent as they continued trotting ahead, Akili's mind being forced to run through memories in the silence.

As the journey continued Akili was slowly approached by a lioness, one with a darkened tan coat and blue eyes that matches his.

Akili gave the lioness a small smile and a nod, the lioness returning both gestures, "what do you need from me Sierra?" He asked the lioness, "I know you may not want to talk about it but happened that night" and instantly Akili's face fell.

He knew exactly which night she spoke of, seven years ago, when the Outlands threw their attack to the Pridelands.

Instantly the roars, the screams, the voices from that day rang through his head.

"We don't have to fight anymore Vitani; we can stop this."
"This needs to finally end."
"So, let's end it."
"Vitani, now!"
"No mother!"
"VITANI MOVE!"
"I know you told him too."

Quickly everything began to blur, and his head continued to scramble, but he continued to push ahead on the journey, but his mind continued to race with each step he took.

"Quick place her down here."
"I'll do what I can."
"I'm staying."
"A chunk of time where she was happier than normal."
"Reason to believe that was the time she spent with you."
"I thank you for that."
"I betrayed her."
"She deserves so much better."
"It's all my fault."
"This is in no way on you."
"I'm sorry."
"You will have to say your goodbyes."
"You did nothing wrong; this isn't your fault."
"But know that none of it is on you."
"I failed you guys."
"This isn't on you Akili, don't say that."

Akili quickly gave the signal for the group to stop as he fell to the ground and clutched onto his skull as his thoughts continued to burn deep into him.

That night seven years ago was engraved into his mind with utter perfection, it was another day that cursed him.

"We're so sorry Vitani."
"I didn't keep my guard up and I'm paying the price."
"I failed you, Vitani."
"You didn't, you promised to find peace within the prides, and it happened, you promised to stick by me, and you did, until the end."
"Tell me about Eternity."
"You're ready to see him again aren't you."
"He'll be there to welcome you."
"Live for me."
"Now that's a promise I can't keep."
"Just try."
"Wherever life takes me"
"I'll follow you."

Dexter had now run up to Akili to try and suppress his mind, but his attempts were futile, Akili's mind continued to run without limits, they could only allow it to happen.

"I'm sorry Vitani."
"I'm sorry, to all of you."
"He's next to the border river, why would he be going back to the Outlands?"
"What if he isn't going to the Outlands."
"Fuli get there as quick as you can."
"Akili I heard what happened and I'm sorry, but it'll be ok."
"Why is it always me."
"Why do I need to watch them all die."
"If I know what you're thinking of doing, don't do it, it's not what they would want."
"I sang a song to everyone I ever truly loved; it said I would always be around wherever life takes them."
"That I would follow them."
"I think it's time I keep my promises, Fuli."
"Akili don't!"
"It's been an honor, all of you!"
"Akili don't do this!"

And as the tidal wave of his own creation crashed down onto him, Akili's mind finally froze, "a miracle" Akili whispered.

Dexter and Sierra beside him, as everyone else looked on, "a miracle happened that night" he repeated looking over to the lioness before his head once again began to sting.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
7 years prior

Akili raised his paw as a massive tidal wave began to form, Nala quickly began running after the lion, "Akili don't do this!" She yelled but to no avail, the lion simply just bent his head down and the blue light faded from his paw.