FSE

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Chapter 11

Author's Note: Disclaimer:

I Love You is owned by © TYDE MUSIC; SONY/ATV SONGS LLC; We own neither it nor the Lion King.

Brasta's POV:

I followed Strike's footprints in the sand, until I came across a sight that warmed my heart; before me, a few meters away, was my sister, sleeping with a contented smile on her face.

As I walked a bit closer, I realized someone was with her; Tojo. For the first time in a long while, I felt my heart leap for joy, secure in the knowledge that she was in the hands of someone would never hurt her. Forgive me for sounding too mushy; beyond my harsh exterior, I'm truly a romantic at heart. That's why I defended him against my father earlier; I finally saw what there was between them, and I can tell from what Strike has told me that they are growing closer. It gladdened my heart to see my sister finally content with herself, safe in the arms of one who loved her and would protect her no matter the cost. I sighed for a moment as a wave of sadness went through me. If only that could happen to me... but things were never quite so easy.

I happened to look at the sky, and noticed a constellation that looked strangely like a two lions lying side by side. I smiled, and sent a silent prayer up to my mother. I know now that this is what you meant to happen, and I can no longer say Tojo is out to hurt her. Thank you for everything you have done; I know she is not your child, but I know that it was you who sent Tojo to us. I don't know why or how you managed it, but I thank you sincerely for allowing Fuwele to be happy again. There was the unspoken thought that she could help me to be happy... but there were more important things than my own happiness. And far easier to obtain... I shook that thought out of my head. At least my sister had found love. With that I headed back to the caves smiling and peaceful at heart, falling into what I hoped was going to be a dreamless sleep. I was dead wrong.

I find myself transported into the midst of a ferocious battle, surrounded by dozens of lions and hyenas tearing viciously at each other. The sounds of the wounded and dying are clear and sharp, while the stench of corpses stifles the air. I look around wildly, to see my own squadron fighting against a particularly ferocious pack. In panic, I call for my squadron to fall back to a more defensive position... while losing a few close friends in the process. But it to be no use; we were being hemmed in on all sides, soon to be drowned beneath a tide of hyenas...

In rage and desperation, I blindly rush the hyenas, smashing through their front ranks just enough for our squadron to get out and escape certain slaughter. As I wheel around with my squadron, I see Sadic leading a pack of hyenas directly towards the infirmary camp. I quickly decide to intercept them; that monster wasn't going to touch our wounded! I yelled an order to my squadron to charge after the group and block them off. Our two sides collide in a wall of fur, blood, and dust, sending wails of pain up and down the ranks...

Then I find myself within a ring of flame, in which only myself and Sadic exist. The sky turned blood red, and I could hear the screams of agony as my family was slaughtered. I wheel on Sadic. "HOW COULD YOU?" I scream, leaping at him in a flurry of strikes that he easily blocks, shoving me near the edge of the ring.

"How could I? My dear friend, if anything it is what you did. Thinking that foolish plan could keep us at bay. You've no idea what you are dealing with." He says, shivering in pure ecstasy as shrill screams pierce the air. I shuddered at how calm and overjoyed he was to be in the middle of this carnage; it was just too unnatural. He sent me a wolfish grin, and continued. "Ah, one more death and I will have reached my limit for today. Brasta, I will grant you the privilege of being my last kill; after I spend some time on you, I will make sure you see your sister one last time; you will watch her be violated and slowly ripped apart, piece... by... piece." He said, licking his lips in anticipation. "And by the way, I'll make sure you see Strike die too. I'm going to enjoy that so much... both your treasures, stolen from you. Remmeber, I know what lies in your heart. Your every thought, your every desire, your every fear...Tell me, how does it feel to know at any moment, I could take your precious angel away...?

"How do think it bloody feels, you abhorrent freak of nature!" I scream, leaping at him. As I reach him, my location vanishes, and I find myself in a dark room with only those citrine eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Abhorrent freak of nature? Hardly, my dear. But thank you for the praise, anyway. You don't know how happy you've made me, Brasta; I thank you for the joy you have brought me, thank you for making my kill so deliciously easy." He says out of the darkness. I feel a white-hot pain shoot up my body, and all I can do is collapse in agony as his insane laughter fills my ears... "And the angel's wings will be clipped..."

I woke up with a start, cringing in fear; I was panting heavily, and drenched with sweat. My heart was pounding so hard I thought my ribs would burst. I found I was parched drom sweating so much, so I immediately got up to go get some water... and to clear my head.

Strike has to be right, right? There is no way that that slaughter could ever happen, and even if they got near Fuwele, she would have too many defenders to have to worry.

But still, was what I dreamt true? Whould she die? Would HE die?

No it can't be; dreams are dreams, and they STAY THAT WAY!

I mentally shouted as I found myself by the water's edge. After contemplating my thoughts for a bit longer, I decided to check on Strike; I found him sleeping peacefully near the water. As I saw him, obviously not tormented by horrible nightmares, I realised how tired I was, and just collapsed a few metres away. If there was any better place to collapse, I couldn't think of it...

Kopa's POV:

I awoke to the sight of fur that didn't belong to me. I felt my heart jump for a moment; but then I remembered last night. I remained in the same position, wondering if she could even possibly feel the same way I did. Yes, I had to admit it to myself as I stared at her peaceful form; I had done the thing form the thing that I had sworn never to do again... I loved her. I would do anything for her happiness. Just looking at her made my heart beat faster and my words stumble. Thankfully I could gaze at her like this without any repercussions for now...

After what felt only like seconds ( but was probably only minutes), Fuwele opened her eyes, allowing a view of her beautiful emerald eyes. Realisation dawned on me, and I scrambled over to the edge of the rock as fast as I could, seeing as I was still injured. I saw her smile at my embarrassment, and as she stretched to wake up, I noticed something; the dark cloud that had been hanging over her for the past few days was gone. I fell gladness fill my heart, since she wasn't so depressed anymore; my heart leapt for joy. I smiled, then started blushing madly as I remembered what I had just gotten away from. "Good morning Tojo." Fuwele said, a bit coyly for her.

"Hi, Fuwele." I said rather sheepishly, despite recent events. I mentally facepawed, Hi, Fuwele? That's the best you can think of?

"Thanks for everything you've done; I know that something is happening now, but, um... thanks anyway; I needed the consolation." She said, looking down.

"N-no problem, Fuwele; ya know I'd do any..." I trailed off, too embarrassed to finish my sentence.

"What do you mean Tojo?" she asked, sounding rather anxious.

"Um, Fuwele... I-I-I-" I choked on the words, and turned around at this point. " I gotta go, see ya later!" I said, as a certain three words caused me to sprint with all my speed in the opposite direction.

I stopped somewhere in the desert area around a circle of rocks. I looked around the where I was, and just flopped down onto the ground, furious at myself. Come on, Kopa! You'll jump into a horde of hyenas, dry her tears, and comfort her in the night, but ya can't even say three little words? What type of lion are you?

I responded back in my head, I've only known her for a week; there is no conceivable way she feels even close to how I do now. Plus, I didn't need another broken friendship, like with Vitani...

But things could be different, you realize that?

No, I don't; shut up!

I said trying to win my internal argument with my heart and mind. She makes me so tongue-tied, I'm short of breath.

Try a little harder...

I couldn't suppress my emotions, and I just sat there, depressed. I felt words come to my lips, and I could not help but let my emotions come pouring out in the form of singing, as I stared dismally into the sky.

"I have a smile stretched from ear to ear

To see you walking down the road,

We meet at the lights,

I stare for a while,

The world around us disappears."

It did. Whenever I saw her, everything else seemed to dissolve away; all the fear, all the pain, all the memories, all the worry. It was just her and I.

"Just you and me on my island of hope,

A breath between us could be miles.

Let me surround you, my sea to your shore,

Let me be the calm you seek."

I almost began sobbing then, and I felt the choked words come out no matter how much I tried to repress them. why was this happening to me? why couldn't I just say it? Everytime I was with her... I couldn't.

"Oh, but every time I'm close to you,

There's too much I can't say

And you just walk away.

_ And I forgot to tell you... I love you. "_

That's what it felt like, anyway- that overused and cliched term didn't really do it justice though. Infatuation, maybe? No, stronger; infatuation would not make me want to protect this girl with life... like I had with Vitani. But I couldn't think of her now... she was in the past. It was time to move onto the future.

"And the night's too long and cold

Here without you.

I grieve in my condition

For I cannot find the words

To say I need you so..."

I sighed, and laid down my head; I would never be able to tell her. As I lay there, wallowing in my self-pity, I heard the padding of paws, and I looked up to see Brasta with a fierce look in his eyes...

Fuwele's POV:

Why, why did Tojo run? For a moment, I thought he was going to-

My inner voice cut me off, quite pessimistic at the time. No, THAT's just wishful thinking; that whole fiasco proves it.

But maybe I was being too subtle, maybe I could've...

No, you did everything but tell him you love him, and he was driven away by you.

I broke down crying as I remembered his words from last night; "It's okay, Fuwele; I'll won't let you fall, I'll defend you, and I'll be with you through it all... even if saving you sends me to heaven." He had wiped away my tears and spoken words that comforted my soul; those memories caused me to still have hope. Curse this feeling; its tearing me apart! But I have to know; I need to know...

I was about to go search for him, when I saw Strike limp his way over to me. "Fuwele, what's wrong?" he asked when he was within talking distance.

"N-nothing I was just thinking about..." my mind raced to find an excuse.

"Tojo," Strike said knowingly, "I tend to take walks Chrys." He said, using his old nickname for me, as my name means "Crystal."

"Um, what exactly do you mean?" I asked worriedly.

"I happened to see a young lion and lioness in love, looking out into the stars, enjoying their present company, and then finally as fatigue took them over going to sleep." He said, finishing with a smile.

"Wait, in love? What do you mean? We couldn't possibly be-" he cut me off.

"Stop and listen to yourself, Chrys! You can't tell me you didn't see the way he defended you, and the way he was always there to comfort you. There is definitely something more there." He said in a slightly lecturing tone.

"But that's what you and Brasta did for me..." I said, trying not to let my emotions rise and confirm my suspicions.

"We're ya brothers it's our job. Well..." he chuckled a little, "at least Brasta is. And you are one of my closest friends; that warrants you being at the top of my list of persons to defend and comfort. Why do ya think I've been around Brasta so much lately?" he said jokingly.

"B-but," I sputtered, "Tojo can't possibly love me! He just left me after..." I trailed off again.

"Let me guess, after stuttering on the word "I", and then sprinting in the opposite direction?" he asked, laughing a little.

"Yes... but how did you know?" I asked curiously.

"Because the way he acts around you is almost identical to how I was with... her." He said, a shadow falling across his eyes as his voice fell. "But that's no concern of yours; what I do know is that there is a certain lion who probably wants to talk to you." I began to move away, but he stopped me. "But I'd wait until Brasta's done with him. If ya are smart, ya would talk with him during the festival tonight." He said, winking before he limped off.

My heart leapt at his words, at the slightest chance that what Strike said might be true. I decided to take his advice and I went off to my cave to prepare for tonight; and to talk with my dad. If yesterday was any indication, he would need some convincing...

Brasta's POV:

I woke up and happened to hear voices coming from where I had left Fuwele and Tojo; I was about to go over so I could hear their conversation but was stopped by a whisper in the dark. "Let them be." I looked to my right to see Strike, looking back at the two of them. I looked at him inquisitively for a second; he then gestured with his paw towards them, and me. The message was obvious; we should just let things unfold. So we sat there and watched, until I saw Tojo go sprinting off; I was about to go after him when Strike said, "Just wait and let him collect his thoughts, then go after him. I'll work on Fuwele." I nodded, and was about to go when he said, "One last thing; make sure ya get them to the festival on time tonight."

With that, he limped off in Fuwele's direction while I headed off in Tojo's, a plan forming in my head; after I found him, I placed a fierce glare on my face as I approached him. "What was going on back there?" I said sharply, showing some brotherly love for Fuwele. It was funny to see Tojo's reaction. He sat bolt upright, staring at me with wide eyes. "N-nothing! I just got, um..." he looked down at the ground, nervously making little swirls in the dust.

"Nervous?" I said, releuctantly letting my façade drop.

"Wait, you aren't angry?" he asked, shocked.

"Why would I be angry? I think it's great that my sister is finally happy, and actually in love." I said, adding emphasis to the last bit. I hate to say it, but I was honestly a bit jealous of her. She had fallen for someone so easily, and she could have what I had only dreamed of...

"Wait, did you say... in love?" he said, totally skipping over everything I said as his face brightened up.

"Yes, I did; you wouldn't happen to reciprocate that feeling... would you?" I said somewhat mockingly. They were absolutely HOPELESS. It takes actually having been in love to know the obvious, so they're cluelessness was both refreshing and frustrating. It could be so easy for them...

He looked back down at the ground. "Well um... yeah, but I thought she was just being friendly, so..." he looked down again as realisation dawned on him. "And I just left her there! Oh gods! She must think I am a jerk, o-or I hate her! I've gotta go find her and set things straight." He said, ready to bolt; I, naturally, stopped him from doing so.

"Look, Strike has all of this planned. Just go to our festival tonight, and I assure you everything will be okay." I said smiling. "Just remember, even if I have accepted y'all together; if ya hurt her in any way... you're gonna deal with me , brother-in-law." I said, adding the last part forebodingly. I saw a smile cross his face as he nodded his understading. Just before I left, I heard him say "Fuwele, I won't let you down..."

Fuwele's POV:

I arrived in the royal chambers, fear rising in my heart. I knew that I had to get Dad to accept him; but getting him to change his mind was easier said than done. Heck, it wasn't even easily said.

I gulped as I walked up to him. "Um dad, there is something I've been meaning to talk to you about..." I said, courage failing.

He looked down at me with a stern expression. "Yes, what is it about?" he asked tentatively.

"It's about Tojo, Dad. I-I'm pretty sure that...: I couldn't finish my thought; his harsh stare just burned through me.

"You are sure of what?" he said, agitated.

"I-I-I never mind." I said, my courage fully giving out.

"Has he hurt you?" He asked, anger evident in his voice.

"Well, no it's just that..." I said, mumbling.

"Well, out with it! What has he done to you? When I get my claws on him he will have wished to be exiled!" he yelled loud enough to make me cover my ears.

I swallowed, and looked up at him, some of my courage replenishing. "No, Dad! I love him! I assume I need you consent, so I came here to ask." I said, my hope rising.

"You're in love with that rogue? Hmph! No, I won't allow it," I felt my heart shatter at that moment, "and if I see him doing anything at the festival tonight, I swear to all the Gods, I will exile him! Understood?" he demanded, knowing I wouldn't disobey him.

He left me with tears welling in my eyes. Now what was I supposed to do? I laid down on the hard stone floor. I felt as if my emotions at the time were ready to come crashing down on me if I did anything to help my pain.

I was crying at this point; I knew if I obeyed my father, I would never be with Tojo...

What could I do? He was the one who brought me to life. I'd felt like a frozen corpse until he arrived. Ever since the attack on the pride, I had been fearful, anxious, and only occaisionally commforted by either Brasta or Strike. But now I had risen from my emotional lethargy, trampling it down and breaking open the door of my sepulchre. I had to find him anyway, despite my father; I had to see him...

Kopa's POV:

I found my way to the predetermined spot in the crowd, watching for Fuwele or Brasta. As I saw her coming my way, I suddenly realised a few things:

1: She looked upset; 2: She was beautiful; and 3: I loved her with everything I possessed.

When she got nearer to me, she only dropped her head and sat next to me sadly. I looked up in confusion, only to meet the snarling face of King Haraka. "You are exiled!" he shouted, cold fury in his eyes.

"Why?" I asked, completely shocked and confused.

"For messing with my family! Now leave before I kill you." He said, taking a glance at Fuwele to make sure she was okay. He began to approach me, unsheathing his claws...

"Haraka, STOP!" Strike shouted, jumping in front of me.

"Father, don't!" Brasta said as he joined Strike.

King Haraka narrowed his eyes at his son. "Hmph! Why shouldn't I? He's been tainting your sister's mind and hurting her. She's so confused, she thinks she loves him." He said angrily, as he slowly moved into a less aggressive stance to speak to his son.

"Father, I know we have been through this! But this time is different; this time, I approve; I and will do anything to make sure these two stay together." Brasta said, readying himself to fight if the need arose.

"Haraka, are you so blind in your anger that you can't tell when your own daughter is happy?" Strike said angrily, glaring up at the king.

"What do you know about love, rogue?" he said rather pretentiously; that apparently struck a nerve with Strike.

"More than you would know." Brasta and Strike said in unison, one furious and one sad, before Strike and Haraka both shot Brasta rather confused looks.

Haraka looked between the two of them, as I mentally crossed my fingers. He couldn't possibly exile me! Not after everyting I'd done for his daughter... could he? "Very well, rogue. But he is still exiled." I felt my heart drop into my stomach. He couldn't be that cruel!

"No, don't you dare!" Fuwele spat, leaping over Strike and Brasta and closer still to Haraka. She looked back at me, a fiercely protective expression on her face, before she looked back at her father.

"He doesn't belong." Haraka said sternly.

"Yes, he does. I love him, and he belongs with me, in my heart. Is that so wrong?" she said, tears running down her muzzle. So many words went through my mind, but they stopped at the sentence, "I love him." She loves me! I thought, falling into a dreamy state despite the current events.

Haraka glanced around wildly, looking at Brasta or Strike for support. Seeing none, he visibly shrank, obviously defeated. "Fine, do what you want! But when he leaves, you don't come looking to me for comfort."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Fuwele said darkly.

"What did you SAY?" Haraka said, wheeling around.

"Calm down, Haraka." Strike said, baring his teeth at the king. Haraka looked at the two of them, and abruptly left after shooting me an angry glance. Once he had gone, Strike turned to Brasta. "Come on, Brasta; we should see what the damage is." Brasta nodded, and the two walked off, leaving Fuwele and I alone.

I turned to her abruptly, an expression of hopeless joy on my face. "Fuwele, is what you said back their true?" I asked, hoping I wasn't imagining things.

She looked down sadly. "Well, um... yes, it's true; every word of it. But if you don't feel the same..." she trailed off, looking crestfallen.

I placed my paw underneath her chin, tilting her head upwards. "Fuwele, look at me. I love you with all my heart; I won't let anything come between us, but do you think you can forgive me for running off?" I asked sheepishly.

"Of course!" she said, visible glee spreading across her face as she threw herself towards me, our lips colliding i nan explosion of heavenly fireworks; it wasn't a deep kiss, but we stayed like that for minutes enjoying the bliss. When we both pulled away for air, we both looked up at each other, a newfound light sparkling in our eyes, "I love you." We said in unison.

The remainder of the night was spent enjoying our company and our newfound love. As I laid down to rest tonight, all that was in my head was Fuwele.