New Angles

Episode Fifteen: Long Live The Queen

~Episode sixteen: Long Live The Queen~

(Kion vs Makucha)

The mother tiger growled, waiting for the right moment to attack. When another suddenly jumped in front of her.

"Makucha!" Kion snarled, prowling at the leopard.

"Kion?" Makucha's moment of surprise didn't last long when Kion came leaping at him, pinning him to the snowy ground.

"Leave.. the tiger.. alone!" Kion growled. And Mukucha's fire returned, batting the young lion off him and standing up to challenge him once again.

"Why would I wanna do that?" The leopard snarled, then leaped forward to tackle Kion, trying his best to use his weight and any leverage he could get to out muscle his enemy. Kion scratched for his face, as Makucha pushed at his shoulders. And since this worked to distract him, he leapt onto the young lion and they tumbled over each other again.

"*growl* Forget it, Kion! We're not going anywhere!" The leopard threatened. And again they tested each other's strength, until Kion gained the upper hand with a paw to Makucha's face. And growling deeply once again, planted another one, making him back off.

"Enough!" he finally gave in, retreating. "There's too many of them,.. It's not worth it!"

XXXX

(opening fight, other angles)

Rani stopped short with the rest of their team behind her, the faceoff growing between Kion and Makucha. And seeing him standing between the leopard and the tiger seemed almost comforting, knowing which side he was on. And a part of her felt almost glad he was,.. though a gnawing doubt still lingered,.. it wasn't because of whose side he was on.

"Makucha!" Kion growled.

"Kion?!" Makucha gasped. And Kion didn't hesitate to make the first attack on the leopard.

"Nirmala check on the tiger." Rani ordered, earning a nod as the older lioness left her side. "Surak, Baliyo with me!" Leaping for Ora, she missed when he ducked and Surak stumbled over him. Baliyo screeched to a halt, when catching something to his right then took off toward it.

Nirmala was batted away by Chuluun, who then edged toward the cornered tiger; thrilled by her near victory.

"Lada'i!" Baliyo called taking a dive for her shoulder, knocking her away.

"Ugh! I'm going, I'm going!" The snow leopard groaned, retreating. Rani smiled in pride of her brother's diligence.. and Kion's determination.. So when watching their takedowns.. it felt like more than just their victories.

XXXX

(Janna's request)

Silence was only interrupted by some dry coughing,.. but soon came rushing back when it quieted again.

"Oh.. i..isn't there something I can do, Queen Janna?" Makini moaned, drawing closer to the ailing queen.

"Yes.. Makini.. There is something you can do.." Janna answered slowly, between fading breaths.

"Anything." The young mandrill replied softly.

"Be the one Rani looks to for guidance.." Janna breathed. "And.. to take on the duties she cannot perform."

"Your majesty?" Makini queried, waiting for her to elaborate. But when her eyes opened straight ahead of her, the tone they set provided a sinking feeling as she spoke those familiar words.

"It is time.." Janna said. And Makini's gaze fell as her eyes closed solemnly.

"So.." the queen breathed once again, earning her deeply troubled gaze. "I need you.. to have Ullu summon the Night Pride,..." She paused for a moment before continuing. "And tell them to bring Kion with them,.. I must see them.. So they may know what they must do."