(AU) Epilogue: The Outland Guard

Out in the wastes surrounding the verdant kingdom of Pride Rock, A ferocious snarl rang out. The dirty brown canyons and crevasses glistened with crimson. Ashes rained down from the overcast sky as countless chaotics were torn apart, their soulless husks burning as their essences were cast back to the well they came from.

The chaotics fought back hard, outnumbering their opposition five to one. Winning odds in the eyes of the slayers. These lions prowled the Outlands in an effort to cull chaos from them. To avenge their former king. Also a slayer, and the one who created them.

A symphony of battle filled the air as the Slayers faced down the chaotic horde. Teeth gnashed, claws and blades hacked and slashed. Whole bodies torn asunder, ignited in their deathroes as the canyon was painted further with scarlet.

As the last chaotics fell, and silence filled the void, a weak cry could be heard in the rocks nearby.

Cowering under a fallen tree was a young lion cub. His body wracked with shivers from his constant fearful cries.

“The danger has passed little one!” The Slayer at the head of the group called.

Ceasing his cries momentarily the cub surveyed his surroundings. The canyon only moments before consumed by battle and bloodshed was now eerily still and silent. Not a trace of the chaotic horde was left but a few rapidly dissolving red stains.

Gathering his courage the cub finally spoke. “Wow! That was amazing Zira!”

The lioness arched a brow. “Why on earth are you out here Kopa?” She asked the cub in a motherly tone.

“So I could see you in action!” The cub bounced up and down in excitement, despite being terrified not moments before.

Returning to all fours, Zira grabbed the cub by the scruff of the neck, bringing him to sit on the log, at eye level.

“Why would you do something so foolish? One stray afflicted could kill you, much less that whole horde! What would you have done if the Guard were not here?”

Kopa shrunk down as Zira scolded him, seemingly thinking of that only now. The cub sniffled. “I’m sorry. I just thought that...I would see what…” He trailed off, not sure how to even explain. He hadn’t even told his dad where he was going.

Zira’s eyes softened. She couldn’t stay mad at the excitable cub. “You wanted to see what the Slayers do, yes?”

Kopa nodded sadly. “My dad’s gonna kill me.”

Zira smirked knowingly. “I think your father is more accommodating than the afflicted are.” She nuzzled the cub, before turning to allow him to climb onto her back. “He may not even need to know, as long as you agree not to do this again.” The Slayer offered.

“Wow! Really!” Kopa looked awestruck. His wide eyes full of hope.

Zira looked back at the cub and smiled.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that some secrecy can be a good thing…”