It was a beautiful flash back and Lion Ascend realize his purpose. He was a lion and he was built for an entirely different function. Climbing the mountain became much easier. He was almost to the top and turned his head to see the horizon in the distance, the forest, a mountain range and a smell of ocean current. With each stride he found himself to the top and looked around to see a small pool of crystal water. There was a cave carved into the rock and beyond that a range of mountains in the background. Two cats emerged from the distance of the mountain and as they grew larger, it was Iza and Nikkita. There eyes widened as they watched the golden aura emerge from Lion Ascend’s crown. “You have complete the test of strength,” replied Iza “Then I’ve proven myself ?” asked the tired lion. “Yes,” answered Iza. Nikkita’s eyes widened to Lion Ascend’s aura and his incredible achievement. The lion looked into Nikkita’s eyes as he rested to catch his breath and felt very tired. He walked past the Priest of Pride and found a spot to lay down and fell right to sleep.
The battle was won and as the sun set upon the mountains in the west. About eleven wolves had been killed total, six were severely wounded. Enoch reported that fifteen eagles had been wounded and four were killed. None of the albatrosses were killed or wounded and it didn’t surprise the white wolf. He turned his head to see the family of cheetahs step into the old den. They were bleeding from the chest, but they were walking proudly. Abel’s blue eyes looked down to the ground in sadness for Avian was gone. He fought well protecting his father from a group of coyotes and jackals that would have ripped him apart. “Is it over?” said a familiar voice. Abel looked up at mother cheetah and breathed in deeply through his nose. “The battle is over, but the war is far from ending. I do know that we’re not ready to take on another attack,” answered the white wolf. “Then we’ll win won’t we? I’m not going to surrender my sons to a group of tyrants!” exclaimed Vera. “I’ve fought many wars including one with your husband, Rythemic. I will not pursuit the wild dogs with less than fifty wolves. Not even for you!” growled Able as he got up to meet with Enoch alone.
The white wolf walked as far as the edge of Everlow Forest with a sour taste in his mouth. He should have expected that there would be casualties, but he didn’t expect to bury one of his sons. In the distance he watched the moon emerge while the sun disappeared behind him and the trees. Suddenly, the flapping of wings was heard next to him and it was Enoch. “Sir we’ve completed our last round of sweeps. The wild dogs have retreated to the Bad Lands!” “Excellent work Enoch! Is there a chance that our enemy will be coming back?” asked Abel. “I don’t know, my lord? Your guess is as good as mine.” answered Enoch. “I hope this battle has given Lion Ascend the chance needed for his training,” said Abel as he watched clouded smoke fill the sky from the volcanoes. The enemy would be back and this time they would be accompanied by the tiger’s great army. Abel hoped that Lion Ascend would return in time to face the wickedness of the tigers.

 
Deep in the depths of the Badlands Cain and his followers retreated to the stronghold of Tyrone. The dead volcano held hundreds of tigers, wild dogs and other dark flying creatures. They all watched the remainder of wild dogs enter through the large crowds and walk towards the throne. Tyrone looked very displeased to the sight of Cain and his followers. “You look like you traveled through a herd of wicker plants!” growled the tiger. “My lord we were ambushed by the wolves, cheetahs, eagles and albatrosses. We were no match for them.” “No match,” began Tyrone as he rose up and stretched his back legs to begin walking towards the hyena. With a quick thrust of his paw he struck the hyena in the face and let out a snarl. “You have over seventy wild dogs and you’re telling me you were defeated?” shouted the tiger. “Yes my lord,” answered Cain quietly. “Sir, it’s true we were ambushed by more numbers than we were prepared to fight,” replied Talick. “Shut up! You idiot,” growled Tyrone as he returned to his comfortable spot of sitting. “My superiors are out conquering other parts of Ayana and I’m struggling to take over this patch of forest. King Estargo has over a thousand tigers helping him and Prince Voltar has five-hundred and here I have three hundred tigers, five hundred wild dogs and about six-hundred hawks and crows combined. You’re telling me that a small number of wolves defeated you?” bellowed Tyrone as his yellow snake like eyes stared dead into Cain’s. “Yes my lord,” answered the hyena. “Well then, I guess what I have to do is figure out who I need to eliminate to press the message that Everlow belongs to me.” “Sir?” asked Cain as he looked into the tiger’s wicked sneer and watched the wheels turn behind his eyes.

It was now night and a dozen wolves had returned with food. The cheetahs shared in the hospitality all except Vera for she lost her appetite. Abel was sitting near Avian’s grave telling him that everything would be ok and that he didn’t die in vain. All of a sudden there was a strange light towards the west, which was too bright to be the sunset. “What’s that?” asked Sampson as he looked at his siblings then to his father. The light eventually dimmed and a beautiful creature remained. She had long sandy brown hair and her face was shaped like a monkey. Her arms were long with no fur or hair and silver leaves covered her chest and torso as her naked legs reflected the pale moon with every step proceeded.

 
The white wolf walked over to smell the rich aroma of lilacs and roses that covered the creature. She cracked a grin with her warm eyes to the wolf and slowly reached her hand to touch his head. Abel stepped back and avoided her touch with distrust. “Forgive me if I’ve startled you my lord, but I’ve only come to heal you and the injured,” she replied as her hand returned. “Who are you?” asked Abel. “Ohh forgive me. Where are my manners? My name is Dafidale leader of the Xeras.” “What’s a Xera?” asked Abel. “We’re fairies, the keepers of balance. We do as we have done for thousands of years to serve the Burning Bush’s wishes of balance for the continent of Copper Toe as well as the world of Ayana. Right now is a fragile moment in history where Lion Ascend has to decide the fate of us all,” answered Dafidale as she kneeled down eye level to Abel’s. “You know about the prophecy?” asked Abel. “I knew about the prophecy hundreds of years ago and have waited for this moment to help those who serve the creator.” Abel began walking closer to her and felt the white illumination from such hand shower upon his face like the gaze of the sun. He felt a powerful thrust of tingling to his belly that loosened the knot of anger for the loss of his son.

 
Dafidale touched Abel’s head slowly and circled her finger around his ears. Numerous amounts of light emerged from her, through the night and flew around the animals as the sound of harps played with the voice in the form of a sigh. The sound of voices sung in interlude to the fragile distraught wolves and eagles were feeling. Dafidale stretched both her arms into the air as her huge white wings spread apart for the animals to see.

 
The sky began to rumble while the wind began to run through shrubs and brush. Dafidale’s sandy brown hair was brushed up against such a beautiful face and collar bone as she closed her brown eyes. She lowered her right arm and pointed to a circle of rocks. “Let there be fire,” she commanded as her voice echoed through the night. Then lightning struck to where she pointed unleashing a fire and got the cheetah’s attention.. It quickly grew for all the wolves to embrace and keep warm. Dafidale re-opened her eyes and opened her mouth to sing a song that would heal such troubled hearts.

I know I could hold you
in the way that I would love too
my journey is so incomplete
your life is so complete
it makes me sad to say goodbye
I set you free to fly
to fly away
I loved you too dearly but I will adore you
forever as yours I will understand, I will understand!
the reason to hold you like a memory
do you remember the days we laughed
do you remember the days we cried
do you remember the day you stayed
do you remember the day you were at my side
I loved you too much
to hold you like a memory
to keep you as a memory

Able and Enoch looked at each other then to the Xera as she closed her mouth. She was unlike anything expected for them and it was clear that the Xera’s were good creatures. They felt free from the despair of death from their loved ones and would be able to carry on the fight. Abel walked over to Dafidale and looked into her eyes. “Thank you.” “No, thank you. The pain in your hearts has been released. When you wake up tomorrow I’ll be gone, but I won’t be forgotten,” she answered with a grin. The group of animals rejoiced with the Xeras as the full moon veiled with clouds. Tomorrow would be a brand new day and for the first time Able felt a closure from his son.

The cool winds of dawn arrived and Lion Ascend’s eyes opened to see the sun gaze from the east. A smile emerged upon the lion’s face as a string of mane touched his brow. He raised himself up to stretch his hind legs. He turned to see the cheetah was gone and so was the Priest of Pride. Where did she go and how long would she be gone? He turned his head and saw the cheetah walking up with a dead deer gripped to her mouth. She snugged the beast’s neck with her sharp teeth and dropped it just before the lion. “My offering, Lion Ascend. You’re hungry and need strength for the next challenge.” Lion Ascend looked into her eyes and watched how they sparkled and appreciated the gesture. There was something to believe and fight for, but there would always be something to eat. “I appreciate your offer, but since my meeting with the Burning Bush I can no longer eat the flesh of an innocent animal,” he began. “Of course you can, it’s what we do to survive. There’s no honor in feeling guilty for murder when you’re a hunter,” answered Nikkita. “I’m sorry, but I can’t,” answered Lion Ascend sadly. “Well then what will you eat?” asked Nikkita curiously. Lion Ascend smiled and ran away leaving her confused, “I’ll show you what I like to eat,” he said.

The day continued and she waited for Lion Ascend to return while eating her food. Nikkita continued to clean the bones of the dead carcass just as a couple round fruits dropped before her. Lion Ascend bit into them with his teeth and sucked the juices. He left to get more and was finished eating before she was. The lion laid in the sun and was day dreaming of the past. The memories cascaded through his mind like lightning thrusting the ground and he stared at ground in fright to the sight of dead lions that formed in the grass. “What’s the matter?” asked Nikkita. “Nothing, I was just thinking of how lucky I was to be in your family.” Nikkita hadn’t forgotten those old times of laughter and being told to have a good heart. “The honor is ours,” she replied. “Nikkita I only wish to protect you and our family. I fear the tigers will destroy us all,” he answered. “You’re wrong! Everyday you walk the land brings the tigers closer to defeat.”

The conversation came to a halt when Iza stepped near them. Lion Ascend turned his head to the cougar just as Nikkita did. “The Beast of Speed awaits you!” Lion Ascend was silent as he took a deep breath and looked up to the sky. The miraculous curly clouds unfolded upon themselves in the form of cats while the wind blew in his face. He could feel the swarm of butterflies fill his insides as well as the trembling in his legs.

The words echoed in his head like a pebble falling inside of a cave and into a pond. How fast is fast? What did the beast look like? Was there a chance of success? The questions jumbled his mind. “What must I do?” asked Lion Ascend. “You must go into the cave retrieve a jewel that is hidden in the grips of the dragon,” answered the Priest of Pride “I understand. Is there a chance I’ll succeed?” “If you fail Everlow Forest will fall to the tigers and Ayana will descend in darkness.” Lion Ascend turned his head to Nikkita and could see she didn’t want to loose him. He turned his head and began walking slowly to the entrance of the cave to face the dragon. “LA don’t throw your life away!” cried Nikkita. “Silence!” growled Iza as he stood in front of her. “You gave me your word that you would not interfere in his training!” Nikkita was silent and after looking into Lion Ascend’s eyes she realized he had to do this. Each step of the way Nikkita watched Lion Ascend step inside the cave and felt her heart beat faster.

He walked around the inside of the cave and saw the numerous claw marks on the rock. Skeletons of dogs as well as cats laid upon the floor and Lion Ascend lowered his head to smell them. An elevated ripping sound was heard in the distance of the cave and he perked his ears up. It was dark, but Lion Ascend could see in the dark as well as during the day. The beast was here inside the grotto waiting for him as a hunter hunts its prey. The lion continued the walk through the cave and knew that anyone who tried to slay the Beast of Speed ultimately failed. The bones he sniffed earlier belonged to the cheetahs and wolves. Lion Ascend stumbled upon an open chamber where he saw a golden colored crystal, which made a ringing sound. As he crept closer to the jewel he heard something scratch the walls and breathe. Lion Ascend could feel the cold sensation rivet through his legs and shoulders. The feeling of evil surrounded him; waiting to strike without hesitation. His eyes turned to the right then to the left to see a set of red eyes stare back at him. As quick as lightning, Lion Ascend struck the beast with his retractable claws. He gripped the jewel with his mouth and dodged the snapping jaws of the beast. He ran out the way he came in and the sun showed him the way.

The cheetah and the cougar heard growls, tip taps and breathing. A shriek passed through their ears as well as a roar that echoed through out the cave. The quick trots echoed from the walls of the cave and soon Lion Ascend began to emerge from out of the darkness. The giant head of a serpent with claws came out from behind the lion trying to eat him whole.

The Beast of Speed was completely out of the cave and was still pursuing the lion with its giant wings spanned wide. Lion Ascend dropped the gem just before the Priest of Pride and looked up at the wounded creature. It looked like a giant lizard with green scales and a design of stars upon its skin. The long sharp claws got Lion Ascend’s attention as well as the large white teeth. A wound could be seen on the creature’s forehead with the sight of blood. “I command you to desist and recede back into the cave!” commanded Iza. “I obey no one,” commanded the Beast of Speed. “You shall do so under the command of the Burning Bush,” commanded Iza as he looked up at the beast. “I demand the possession of the jewel. Give it to me, now!” exclaimed the beast as it jumped up and down on its four legs. “Give him the jewel,” answered the Priest of Pride. Lion Ascend looked at Iza as though he were crazy, but proceeded. He picked up the jewel; walked over to the serpent and hope that he wouldn’t become dinner. Lion Ascend dropped the jewel before the dragon and watched the serpent growl at the lion. “You are a lion?” asked the Beast of Speed. “Yes I am,” he answered. “I was told by the Priest of Pride that a lion would be brave enough to enter and escape the cave with my jewel without being eaten. This lion would also be brave enough to fight the tigers.” Lion Ascend looked down to the ground as he tried to understand what the dragon was saying. Something in the dragon’s voice was irritating and annoying. The dragon was hidden deep in the cave capable of killing the tigers, but preferred to do nothing. “Are you not a lion?” repeated the beast. “I am,” answered Lion Ascend. “Then let me hear you roar!”
Lion Ascend turned around to the Priest of Pride and Nikkita who were smiling at him. His yellow eyes turned to the Beast of Speed who was waiting to hear the roar in the clear open air. Lion Ascend let out a roar from deep within his chest. It was loud as well as vibrant and echoed through the mountains. The dragon nodded and picked up the jewel and placed it near him. “I haven’t seen a lion for a thousand years,” replied the beast. “Well now you have. What’s your name?” asked Lion Ascend. “What’s yours?” asked the beast. “LA.” “My name is Bizarre. Pleased to meet you, but if you don’t mind I must be going,” replied Bizarre as he began walking back inside the cave. Lion Ascend turned to look at Iza and Nikkita and knew that he had beaten the challenge. The sun was over head and Lion Ascend didn’t want it to end. Something in his heart was telling him to make a mends with the dragon. “Hey!” yelled Lion Ascend to Bizare. The dragon turned his head and looked sadly at the lion. “Would you like to be friends?” asked Lion Ascend. “What are you doing,” whispered Nikkita. “I’m having a good heart,” he answered. “Why would you want to be friends with me?” answered Bizare. “I don’t know! Why not? There comes a time to stand together in times of despair. I’m telling you as a friend that you don’t have to hide in fear,” answered Lion Ascend. “I’m use to it. After living thousands of years and never finding my purpose and soul mate I shall live a thousand more years to with this loneliness,” he answered. “I’m sorry, but you can live among friends,” cracked Lion Ascend. “I don’t think so,” replied the dragon. “That’s ok,” replied Nikkita as she rose up and walked over to Lion Ascend. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” she whispered. “Lets have fun,” replied Lion Ascend as he looked at Iza who rolled his eyes. “What did you have in mind,” replied Bizare. Lion Ascend looked at Nikkita who stared into his eyes and slowly revealed a grin of the games they enjoyed playing.

The lion, cheetah and the dragon played almost all day in the trees, the caves and the mountains. Bizare spread his green leathery wings and took flight through the air to see the world. They flew fast and well above a few clouds and looked down below to see the mountains. The cats gripped the dragon’s thick green scales as the adrenaline rush took hold of them. The dragon flew straight down and heard the two cats screaming, but then Bizare glided horizontally and began laughing. The two cat’s took deep breaths and were relieved that they were ok. They eventually found themselves back where they started on the mountain with the cave.

Bizare had so much fun he didn’t want it to end and neither did Lion Ascend. As all things revealed nothing lasts forever not even a day of having fun. LA looked at Iza who seemed troubled to the wasted day. “Are you through with playing games?” asked Iza. “Yes we are,” said Lion Ascend. “Good because we have much to do.” “We have time to relax, the next test is what? The test of breathing,” he laughed. “You should be taking this seriously because you’re the last lion in Ayana,” answered Iza. “The last lion?” repeated Bizare as he looked at Lion Ascend. “Your Lion Ascend! I’ve heard so many prophetic stories from the Xeras of a courageous lion that will defeat the tigers.” “That’s probably what is thought,” replied Lion Ascend. “What is that suppose to mean?” asked Nikkita. “I don’t know if I can lead an army against the tigers,” answered Lion Ascend. “You’ve visited the Burning Bush, climbed the massive mountain, faced the Beast of Speed and still you feel unworthy?” asked the Priest of Pride. “No, but I feel like a slave,” replied Lion Ascend. “You must complete your training!”

The lion turned his head to Bizare; the dragon expressed amazement that Lion Ascend possessed the power to lead an army. With a slow gesture from his head he knew that he wasn’t the only one who felt like a slave to his name. “You believe in me even after I scratched the top of your head to defend myself?” asked Lion Ascend. “For a long time I’ve searched for my purpose. I’ve killed all who have trespassed as well as lions and none have been able to escape. Now that I’ve learned of your existence through prophecy I hope that you defeat the tigers,” replied Bizare as he picked up the jewel with his mouth, walked into the cave, and disappeared in the darkness.

Lion Ascend felt a strange cold feeling in his back as an unsettling feeling of butterflies fluttering inside his stomach. The dragon was fueling the young lion with confidence that he never thought he could have. If other lions were killed then what made him so different? Since he was the last of his kind he would never know the answer to that question. “I’m very surprised of the courage you displayed when you asked Bizare to be your friend,” said the Priest of Pride as he watched Lion Ascend turn his yellow eyes from Iza then to the ground. “I pitied him because I felt his isolation and wanted to comfort him. My enemy is my friend.”

The Priest of Pride nodded while smiling as his eyes stared deep into Lion Ascend’s. Nikkita felt the warm fuzzy feeling come over her like the wind sweeping through her fur. She felt so happy, but could feel a tear fall upon her cheek as such words interluded between the two cats. “You feel the Holy Spirit inside you, the burning fire of inspiration just as the fire from the Burning Bush thrusts its flame unto the sky. You feel it too,” cracked Iza as he watched Nikkita drop her jaw. “Then what about you? I’ve seen you disappear and reappear, are you real?” asked Lion Ascend. “I am as real as you and your friend, just as the feeling of love from the Burning Bush is real. The next challenge is the test of Wisdom! You may begin.”

Lion Ascend felt the violent shakes of the rocky ground as sand flew through the cracks of the mountains. The sky was as clear as day, the sun shined just the same as yesterday only the power of sand and wind took its effort against the lion. It spiraled as it took the form of a beast. Lion Ascend knew exactly what he had to do. It was huge about the size of Bizare, but it was mindless and muscular in stature. After it was completely materialized it looked at the lion with its black eyes and let out a snarl with its bull like head. Lion Ascend ran the opposite direction in great haste to avoid its monstrous jaws. The beast grew a horn from its snout like a rhino and busted through trees and rocks in its haste to destroy the lion. The lion leaped through the air upon the branches of the trees to avoid capture by the creature, but felt its wicket thrust as each tree began to fall. Lion Ascend jumped to the next branch of another tree, but ended up falling.

With a loud thud to the ground the lion jumped back to his feet and avoided being run over by the creature which hit another tree. The brute finally realized that it missed its target and bellowed a loud howl before charging again. Lion Ascend spotted a pond far below and ran quickly down the rut and dived in. The fiend pursued the lion and fell in the pond before realizing its fate.

The warm water was nice for an evening swim, but it spelled out death for the creature. Lion Ascend watched it run through the water and dematerialize into mud. The beast screamed in horror as it fell to the depths of the pond and into sludge. Lion Ascend won by using his wits. The great lion galloped back to the top of the mountain to meet Iza. “Congratulations Lion Ascend,” began the Priest of Pride. “You have completed the test of wisdom. The final test resolves the challenge of courage, but we’ll get to that one tomorrow, now we must sleep,” answered Iza. Lion Ascend took a deep breath and looked to see how peaceful Nikkita was sleeping. He turned around to face the sunset and prayed that he would make it through the next test.
Nikkita woke up and saw Lion Ascend facing the sun set. A smiled emerged from her face when she saw his long mane blowing in the wind. The cheetah rose up from the stone floor and slowly walked over to the lion. “What are you feeling?” she asked while sitting next to him. “I’m uncertain. Ayana is a big place when you’re a child, but soon you realize how small and precious it really is,” said Lion Ascend. “Mother told me something long time ago that there are two entities you can follow in life, love and fear. Everything falls under fear, but I feel you will follow love,” answered Nikkita. Lion Ascend turned his head as such eyes met with Nikkita’s and felt her strength. “I’m glade you’re here with me, I’m glade you’re my friend,” answered Lion Ascend as he watched a smile emerge on her face. “I’m your best friend,” replied Nikkita as she rose up and walked back to her spot to lay down upon the rock. She closed her eyes just as she felt something warm lay next to her and began to smile to the thought of the handsome lion. She turned her head to see it was Lion Ascend laying next to her fast asleep.

Lion Ascend woke up with a big snarl. His eyes were teary eyed as though he lost someone dear. The Burning Bush’s warning surfaced within his mind as well as the sight of the tiger’s and the sight of his old home covered with fire bombarded him like a nightmare. The threat of Tyrone’s desire to kill all who protected Lion Ascend made his stomach turn. It was the one person that met the most to him, the one who nurtured him as a child. “Mother!” he cried feeling his heart begin to fracture in pieces.

Lion Ascend jumped to his feet and stepped forward to the bluffs to watch the sun rise. The sky was purple mixed with red and yellow, which was a pretty mixed up morning for a lion with diverse emotions. The beauty of the sky made him realize that it wouldn’t last long after the tigers desolated the forest and killed all the animals for pleasure rather than for food. It would become ruin, barren, and it would fill with a sea of corpse. Come back home, the voice of Vera entered his mind. His own voice ordered him; come back before it’s too late.

Nikkita opened her eyes to the warmth of the bright sun. Slowly, she raised herself up from the nimble hind legs and stretched her back. The cheetah turned her head to see Lion Ascend at the end of the limestone looking in the distance of evergreens. “What’s the matter LA?” asked Nikkita as she sat next to him. She was the only one who knew him well enough to discover something was wrong. It would be difficult to not tell her about the vision because it would be hurtful. She was his only close friend and he could not hurt her that way. “Nikkita what are you doing up?” “Wondering why you are up so early?” she cracked. “Why do you make things so difficult?” asked Lion Ascend. “What has to be difficult?” she asked. There was a long pause and Lion Ascend spoke to her, “I’m glade you’re here. I’m glade you’re my friend,” “Mother told me to watch over you and I plan to keep doing it for as long as I can,” replied Nikkita. Lion Ascend looked at her peculiarly. “Why?” he asked. “You are my best friend.”

The troubling thought of Vera sent shivers up his spine. Nikkita could sense fear in his heart by the look in his eyes and it made her worry. “Something is wrong! I’m returning home,” answered the mighty lion as he closed both his eyes to hide the tears from Nikkita. “What about the next challenge and your destiny!” exclaimed Nikkita as she began following him a couple steps towards the edge of the mountain. Lion Ascend reopened his eyes as he turned around to Nikkita and looked at her sad. “It will have to wait. I had a terrible vision that something bad happened and I must go!”
The Priest of Pride watched the leaves rustle as well as fall apart in pieces and watched Lion Ascend run away. The powerful lion took off in run like no other and felt the thrust of his legs push him through the air. He kept thinking of the vision and defied the laws of gravity as he ran down the rugged mountain that he climbed so triumphantly earlier. He felt the burning sensation of his claws grip the rock. Just as he was about to hit the ground he kicked his hind legs from the mountain and continued to run along the ground. Nikkita’s mouth dropped while watching Lion Ascend run down the mountain and turned around to look at the Priest of Pride. She ran past him to take an alternative route to the bottom of the mountain to catch up.
After running for a long time through the woods, Nikkita realized she caught up with Lion Ascend and was keeping up just fine. Flashbacks unfolded from Lion Ascend’s past that were learned from Vera of what it was to have a good heart. She protected him from danger and took him in as her own. He owed his life to Vera and would die to protect her.

Before long they reached the den and Lion Ascend felt a dark foreboding feeling come over him. Nikkita took a quick halt as Lion Ascend froze in his tracks. Mother cheetah was laying on the ground and was not moving. They saw Chalice and Lobby nuzzle up to wake her, but she didn’t respond. As LA and Nikkita came closer, tears welled in each others eyes. Nikkita nuzzled up to her mother and began to cry. “Get up, get up,” she repeated, but there was no word and the silence began to weigh heavily on the cats. Lion Ascend turned around and walked away because it was more than he could handle.

He wanted to escape this pain, but didn’t know how. The great lion turned to see his siblings grieving for their mother. After running away he felt alone and could sit to deal with this regret of not being around to protect her. He let out a loud bellow of anger in the sound of a roar and could hear it echo everywhere. He ripped apart every tree with the strength of his claws. He was angry, sad, and wanted justice with the one who did this. “Lion Ascend!” At first he thought it was Vera, but he was mistaken. He turned around to see it was Nikkita and realized that Vera was not coming back. “It’s my fault,” he began. “I promised to protect her and I failed!” “There is no blame in this,” began Nikkita. “Think of all she taught you! To have a good heart,” she sobbed “. . . and think about what you’re going to do next,” continued Nikkita. “Sure it was a bad thing that happened, but don’t forget she was my mother too and I would die for her. She’s gone and there’s nothing we can do.”
There was a moment of silence just before Nikkita spoke again and brushed her face upon his. “There is one thing you can do. You can carry her legacy to see happen in this world. You can call all the animals and inspire us to fight for freedom. That’s what she would have wanted. Many of us can’t hunt to fee ourselves without being threatened by the tigers. Some of us are hopeless and without hope we will die,” cried Nikkita.

Lion Ascend nodded his head as he felt lightning run up and down his spine. His whitish gold aura began to emerge around his body as his eyes protruded as it became obvious to make his calling known. He realized what The Burning Bush was talking about and knew what he had to do.
He let out a loud roar that could be heard for miles around Everlow. Seconds turned to minutes and there was nothing, but the echoes of the loud bellow vibrating from his vocal cords. The brightness of the sun pierced through the clouds and shined upon Lion Ascend as though it heard him.

The lion turned around to Nikkita as parts of his mane brushed up near his golden eyes. He was sad and felt that nobody would come to stand with him. Except Nikkita knew better and kept smiling as her eyes remained wide. She knew something powerful was happening and all they needed to do was to wait.

The sound of her voice gave Lion Ascended the confidence he needed. He took off in a run and jumped on a large boulder near by where he filled his lungs up with air and once again let out one last roar for all the animals in the distance to hear. With that roar flashbacks entered his mind of Vera and all the good that was left in Everlow.
Lion Ascend and Nikkita walked back to the den where Vera’s body laid. Abel galloped with his huge number of wolves to see what happened. Enoch glided to the ground as well to see the dismay that everyone was feeling. The Priest of Pride walked slowly through the tall grass to witness the moment of silence and knew that it was going to trigger a change in the lion.

The animals looked sad at what was lost, but suddenly something magical happened, a huge number of animals began massing in Everlow. Leopards, black panthers, rhinoceros’, wooly mammoths, elephants, wild horses, zebras, elk, moose, wart hogs, badgers, wolverines and foxes all grouped to see Lion Ascend. Lion Ascend could hardly believe his eyes and wondered if he was dreaming. This was the answer to his roar and hundreds of animals came to his aid because of the call he made as well as the prophecy that had been passed on through the years. A fragile smile emerged upon Lion Ascend’s face as he saw more and more animals of all different sizes visit.
After standing around the grave Abel looked around to see the large number of animals and felt a wave of assurance that they might be able to take back what was theirs. The threat of the tigers had been a constant reminder of death and they wouldn’t give up the Bad Lands easily. Lion Ascend nodded as he looked at the pile of dirt that buried Vera. He could still remember everything about her from the moment he was a cub to the moment he saw her defend him from Jezebel. He remembered being bathed, while being taught to have a good heart. Slowly he pushed the dirt from sided to side with his big paw and allowed Nikkita, Lobby and Chalice to put their paw prints upon the dirt.

Minutes passed and the lion began sniffing the ground around the den. He was looking for any clues of the killer. The forest was silent with no chirping of birds or the sound of crickets. It was as though the creatures of the forest knew what Lion Ascend was thinking. “Lion Ascend,” began General Abel. “Look at the huge number of souls that are here to stand with you!” Lion Ascend halted his smell and looked around to see their hope full eyes. He could see their desperate affirmation to have a strong leader help them end the darkness and lead them to the light. A stir of confusion consumed Lobby as he stepped forward. “She’s been dead for days,” replied Lobby. Lion Ascend looked up at his brother. “We need you to fight them with us. Will you help us free the land?” asked Chalice.

There was a moment of silence between the lion and his brother. Lion Ascend knew that Vera’s departure hurt Chalice, but he wanted to stand with his mighty brother against the forces of evil and free the land. “I want to know who killed her,” answered Lion Ascend. There had to be a way to find out who did this. There was no scent because it rained, but perhaps inside the den there would be clues. The lion looked at the small narrow hole and knew that he wouldn’t be able to fit inside. With a nudge with his head he gestured General Abel to investigate. “Who ever killed my mother must have gone into the den as well.” “Very well sir,” replied the general as he stepped through the hole. Minutes went by and Lion Ascend looked at his siblings and sensed their pain from the expression on their faces. The white wolf returned from their sacred place with sadness in his eyes and a slow shake in his head. “A tiger killed her.” “Who?” demanded Lion Ascend. “I don’t know,” replied Abel.
The great lion felt a wave of anger run up and down his spine. He knew that the animals needed him just from the look in their eyes. Maybe he wouldn’t take the life of Vera’s killer, but he would definitely seek justice for the brave souls that surrounded him. It was such a deep undertaking and would he have the courage to see it through? Every animal that he passed called his name and it made his heart quicken with strength. Lion Ascend looked at Nikkita as her eyes looked into his eyes softly. “Why do they call my name?” “Because they have nowhere to go and they believe you are their leader,” Nikkita answered as she watched him take a deep breath.

“All right everybody! I need each and every one of you to join me in a fight against the tigers. There is a chance your comrade next to you may die today. That is why I implore you to protect each other and put up a fight that the tigers will never forget. We have the right to be here!” roared Lion Ascend. With that he heard a loud applause of howls, yelps and grunts. “. . . And so it begins,” Whispered General Abel as he watched Lion Ascend approach him. “Mobilize every wolf to the Bad Lands, I’m leading the attack!” The great lion ordered as he let out a roar and charged to the west followed by animals of all sizes.

High in the air Jezebel was scouting the edge of Everlow with the ravens and crows. He watched with great concern of the large mass of animals moving towards the Bad Lands and to Death Mountain where Tyrone slumbered. Jezebel had to warn Tyrone that they would be under attack in matter of hours. The large number of birds cried and flew quickly to their master.

Lion Ascend led the rebellion to the edge of the woods just before the bluffs and let out a roar to any other animals in the area. The time had come for the cleansing of the land and to take back what was stolen. The wooly mammoths busted through the trees and dead branches. They made way for many of the smaller animals like the wolverines, badgers and foxes. The zebras, elk, wolves, cheetahs, leopards and wild cats kept up with Lion Ascend. Soon the animals passed the great cat and were trotting onwards to the Bad Lands. Lion Ascend stopped to inspire the animals to continue. “It’s hard to believe how rich our numbers have grown!” Lion Ascend turned his head to see it was General Abel. He remembered something that the Burning Bush told him. “Somebody told me that someday I would be great and I would not always have all the answers, but I believe that everyone should have the right to live and be free! I thank you for fighting for me to live,” answered Lion Ascend with a smile. “It was an honor my lord, thank you for giving us this day to watch you in your glory!” replied the white wolf. Lion Ascend nodded and began running with Abel at his side to catch up with the animals in the front. Their numbers were still strong and suddenly the lion watched a huge number of eagles and albatrosses glide through the sky. The great lion knew that something powerful was emerging against the forces of evil.

“You’re telling me that a huge number of animals are heading this way to attack!” growled Tyrone as he rose from the ground to stare at Cain, Talick and Jezebel who were afraid that they would be killed. “What are we going to do my lord?” asked Cain. I’m going to feed your dead carcass to the lion that you were suppose to kill when he was a child!” There was silence until the growl of a tiger came running into the throne room. “Sir, there is an army massing in the east, the biggest army I’ve ever seen!” Tyrone looked at the tiger and then at Cain. “We are going to fight. If this insignificant lion wants a war then we shall give him a war. Cain mobilize the hyenas, Talick gather all the coyotes and jackals that haven’t left to go hunting!” What should I do?” asked Jezebel. “You are going to go with them and assemble the rest of the crows, ravens and hawks. Don’t fail me!” ordered Tyrone. The crow nodded and took off through the air to assemble his followers.

In the distance, from Death Mountain, three-hundred tigers were waiting for the rebellion. The Bad Lands was perfect camouflage for the tigers to attack. About a hundred hyenas, coyotes and jackals joined the tigers at the front line. They all met with General Cabass, the first commander of the tigers. The sound of volcanoes rang through their ears as well as the sound of ravens and crows piercing the sky with their calls. Cain and Talick nodded their heads to the general with respect and that they were ready. “The wind is blowing in their direction they will know that we are here waiting for them,” replied General Cabass. “I sent off my fastest rider to Prince Voltar to assemble a thousand tigers against the rebellion. We must find a way to intimidate the lion and his forces before they come to Death Mountain. Just then they heard a loud roar in the distance and knew Lion Ascend was near.

Lion Ascend let out another roar as all the animals stood behind him. He knew the tigers were just beyond the mountain path. The wind carried the tiger’s stench all the way to Lion Ascend’s nose. The sun shined brightly in the sky, pebbles and rocks fell along the mountain side. It gave great suspicion that they were being spied upon. Lion Ascend’s brothers, sister and general stood next to him. With only the sound of breathing, the great temptation to rush the tigers soon subsided as he let out another roar calling each of them cowards for not facing him.

Time stood still as Lion Ascend sniffed the air. The sun shined brightly over head and without a breeze Abel panted to keep cool. Lion Ascend’s eyes began to protrude as his eyes squinted to the sight of a small band of animals. A tiger and two wild dogs were walking slowly towards them. A gust of wind blew into Lion Ascend’s face and the clouds veiled the sun as the lion took a step towards the four enemies. Nikkita, Abel, Lobby, Enoch and Chalice joined the lion and wondered what was going to happen next. Soon they came to a stop and were eye to eye with the tiger, Cain, Talick and a jackal. “Such a beautiful day” cracked the tiger. There wasn’t a word from his rivals and the tiger turned around to get a nod from Talick. “Ohh forgive me lion. My name is General Cabass, the highest general under Lord Tyrone.” “You will not address him as lion!” exclaimed Nikkita. “He is Lion Ascend, the highest servant to the Burning Bush-” There was a huge bellow of laughter from the tiger and his comrades that made Nikkita’s stomach turn.

Lion Ascend’s face was like stone for he knew who he was and nobody would tell him different. General Abel began to growl until he heard the great lion hush the white wolf’s burning anger. “So this is the king of Everlow?” continued Cabass in laughter. “The true king of our world Ayana,” added General Abel after General Cabass stopped laughing.

“We’re prepared to fight,” ordered Cabass. “Leave!” growled Cain. “You’re bluffing,” growled Chalice. “You mock us?” exclaimed Cain. “Maybe you should hide in your mother’s hole where she died!” exclaimed General Cabass. “Our mother died so we could live!” cried Nikkita. “. . . . And I would die for her,” added Lobby. “These lands belong to the tigers,” answered Cabass. All of a sudden Lion Ascend let out a roar that silenced everybody and blew an unfriendly gust of wind into the tiger’s face. “These lands belong to the animals that stand behind me. You will disband and leave!” growled Lion Ascend. “Who do you think you are?” asked the tiger. “I am Lion Ascend!”

Before anyone realized it General Cabass charged at the great cat and began clawing with all his might. The tigers and creatures from behind charged to their leader’s defense. Jezebel squawked in anger and tried to take the lion’s eyes with his deadly claws. Lion Ascend watched while pinned down by the tiger in horror just as Enoch swooped up from the ground and attacked Jezebel. Lion Ascend thrusted the tiger off of him and swiped his sharp pins across the cat’s face.

Nikkita looked into the distance of the west to see hundreds of tigers, hyenas, jackals, coyotes and a mist of birds drawing close. She turned to the east and saw their great army of animals charging against the opposing army. The cheetah looked up; the birds battled each other, her siblings as well as Abel were fighting Cain, Talick and the jackal. She realized this would be a battle they would never forget.

Lion Ascend ripped into the tiger’s chest and opened his mouth to grip the enemy’s head. Cabass squirmed and tossed, but could not break free. With the close of such deadly jaws, Lion Ascend thrusted his enemy to the ground and realized that he killed him. Lion Ascend turned his head to see the battle unfold before his eyes. The three cheetahs saved Abel’s life from Cain and kept executing their fury upon the hyena. The wild dogs unleashed themselves upon the incoming wolves. A stampede of wooly mammoths and wild horses trampled through the mighty line of tigers and aloud the wolverines, badgers and wild cats a chance to fight. Lion Ascend kept trotting through the battle followed by a few number of animals. His objective was to find the Lord Tyrone and face him.

After running a long time through the mountain Lion Ascend stopped to see who was with him. It was Nikkita, Chalice, Lobby, a wolverine and a fox. The lion listened to hear the sound of howls from the wolves as well as the tigers roaring. “We’re with you,” boasted the fox. “Who might you be?” asked Lion Ascend. “My name is Cox and my friend’s name is-” “Way,” interrupted the wolverine. “Well Way and Cox try to keep up,” he answered as he took off in a run like no other.

The last of about twenty tigers at Death Mountain smelled the scent of Lion Ascend and just as Lord Tyrone appeared outside the entrance he could see the fear in the tiger’s eyes. “My lord I beseech you,” cried one of the tigers. “Why?” “He is coming to kill us all,” cried another. “Who?” asked Tyrone. “The lion that was for told to save the animals,” replied the first tiger. “Don’t bother I’m already here!” exclaimed Lion Ascend as he continued to step towards the group of tigers. “Kill them,” ordered Tyrone as he walked back inside the cave to his dark throne. The tigers began to group together to protect the entrance against the lion. “LA don’t,” whispered Nikkita as she stopped him. “Let us fight with you” replied Chalice. “Let us stand with you and laugh in their faces!” roared Way. “I appreciate you standing beside me, but I can feel the will of the Burning Bush answer my dream, my wish and prayer. We don’t need to fight any longer,” answered Lion Ascend as he left his friends behind and began walking towards the tigers whispering in riddles for a spell that would serve a perfect resolution.

The lion looked at the large group of tigers and saw in their eyes fear that had been taught to them by a much greater evil sense they were cubs. Lion Ascend closed his eyes and concentrated on his visit from the Burning Bush.

Oh great Burning Bush give me the strength to carry on. Grant me the forth sight to know what I must do from the depths of Everlow to the Valley of Evil. Build me a wall for my enemy and give me a path to enter. For I am Lion Ascend your Holy Servant.

Lion Ascend opened his eyes as he felt the tiger’s darkened aura. “You’re not getting through,” growled one of the tigers. “You are troubled my friend,” began Lion Ascend. “I’m not your friend. You are from a weak lineage of lions and you shall parish with the rest,” roared the tiger as he was about to charge. Just then without a warning, a burst of fire thrusted its way through the ground and surrounded the lion. The tigers stepped aside as Lion Ascend walked past them and into the cave. The tigers were surrounded by fire and couldn’t escape. Nikkita led the way, for her brothers and friends to stand with the lion.

The fire flickered from the magma leaving the cave in shadows. It was dark and humid for the lion, but he remained silent as he watched the silhouette of Tyrone walk towards him. He emerged with a stick in his mouth that had fire on the end and lit the red liquid on fire. It was six feet wide and surrounded him and Lion Ascend in a circle of fire. The tiger stared at the lion with death in his eyes and waited for the invader to come closer.

There was a loud commotion from the cheetahs as they interrupted the duel. They could see that Lion Ascend was trapped with the leader of the tigers and might fall to his death. They were his friends and would fight by his side to the very end. “You don’t have to do this!” exclaimed Nikkita. “We can all gang up on him!” assured Chalice. “No I have to do this,” answered Lion Ascend. Lion Ascend’s thoughts were silent except with the voices of Iza and Vera speaking to him. “Have a good heart. Face yourself in the test of courage.” The words echoed with such agility and comfort that it sent his worries away like the dawn of the sun after a deadly storm. “You can’t expect me to believe that one lion is going to stand a chance against the power of the tigers,” bellowed Tyrone. Lion Ascend stepped closer to Tyrone and sat down as an idea emerged for peace. “I challenge you, one on one. I have one condition that the looser is aloud to live. If you lose you leave and never return,” replied Lion Ascend. He could see all the animals in his head that had high hopes for him. “If I lose I will leave!” The tiger growled as a smile emerged upon his face for he was eager to tear the lion to shreds. “The challenger speaks in conditions and fairy tale. My condition as conqueror is we fight to the death!”

Lion Ascend felt the breath of the tiger’s mighty bellow turn his veins into ice. The evil cat lifted his lip and protruded his eyebrows to intimidate the lion. Lion Ascend looked deep into the tiger’s eyes and heard the Burning Bushes’ voice. You won’t fail because I will be there by your side. “Let us begin!” yelled Tyrone.

Tyrone was smaller than Lion Ascend, but he was experienced, quick and vicious. The tiger swung out his claws and hit the lion’s face. The lion felt the blood drip from his forehead and near his right eye. The tiger charged to initiate his worse destruction of ripping the lion apart. Lion Ascend let out a roar in pain and hit the tiger with all his might. He opened his jaws onto Tyrone’s throat and scratched the tiger’s face with his claws. After a few seconds the two cats split apart to catch their breath before realizing what they were going to do next. “Come on LA,” yelled Nikkita.
The cats, wolverine and fox began to chant his name louder and faster. “Your suppose to be Lion Ascend, king of Everlow!” laughed Tyrone “Well let me tell you something, your nothing. I’m the one who killed your mother!” exclaimed Tyrone as he watched Lion Ascend perk his ears up and glare at him with anger. “Yea I killed your mother, the disgusting recourse of a female dog was in no form a reputable animal to give mercy too. She’s nothing and all your friends here are nothing your friends out there are nothing.!” Lion Ascend revealed his teeth while he looked at Tyrone with in disgust and became very angry.

Deep inside the heart of the great cat was the anger that was unleashed to the one who killed his mother. Lion Ascend gritted his teeth as well as bellowed a loud roar, which gave him a reason to live. The lion gave way charging at the tiger and began clawing and biting the tiger with all his might. Lion Ascend ripped the tiger’s ear off and left rivers of blood run deep in his enemy’s fur as well as around his neck. He swatted his paw across the tiger’s face leaving hash marks, but the final blow resulted after Lion Ascend hit him so hard that the tiger was knocked back fifteen feet just inches from the magma. Tyrone remained motionless with bits and pieces of soil and blood in his mouth. Lion Ascend stood before the tiger quiet and patient and wondered what would become of Tyrone if he would submit. “Surrender, it’s over,” replied Lion Ascend.

Tyrone got up slowly, his legs twitched and he stumbled to the ground due to the amount of fighting that he had executed. He could barely stand on his feet, but forced himself to walk even though he was exhausted. He didn’t want Lion Ascend to see him weak and wanted to finish the fight.

“I will never surrender!” exclaimed Tyrone as he watched Lion Ascend begin walking towards him. “The land belongs to all the animals to live in peace. Kneel before me as your king and join us against Prince Voltar as well as the forces of evil,” ordered Lion Ascend. Tyrone spit blood in front of the lion with disgust because he didn’t want to surrender. All of a sudden, General Abel walked in with about twenty wolves and Lion Ascend turned his head to the general with a smile. The battle was over and Death Mountain was now under the control of Lion Ascend and his army. “What’s going on?” asked Abel, but all he got was no answer. “Remember all that you have done to the land and all that you stole from the animals. You have brought great evil upon yourself and to this peaceful world. You killed an innocent mother who only wished to live,” declared Lion Ascend. Tyrone looked into the lion’s eyes and saw himself tremble with shame. He had committed sin and felt he deserved to die, but Lion Ascend wouldn’t kill him. Tyrone was so close to death that he could lightly touch it with the grace of his paw. Then it came to him as the sound of bubbling could be heard and the sight of liquid fire could be seen spooling out from below. Then without warning Tyrone turned and jumped into the hot magma. Tyrone felt the burning sensation throughout his body and embraced death.

Lion Ascend closed his eyes for it was not what he wanted. The great cat turned around and was about to exit the cave when Abel stopped him. “The battle is over! The tigers are running away through the mountains. Should we pursue them to the end?” “No, let them go. Word shall spread quickly to Voltar that I have arrived to set right to what once was wrong,” answered Lion Ascend as he stepped through crowd of wolves and walked outside to find the tigers held by the walls of fire. The huge number of animals were around and waited for his command. With a slight nod of respect to his new friends they relaxed and nodded to him. “What should we do with the prisoners?” asked Chalice. Lion Ascend turned his head around to the white wolf that emerged from the darkness with the pack of wolves behind him. Nikkita looked into Lion Ascend’s eyes and saw the kindness unleashed from such heart. He was more than what the good animals of Everlow as well as Ayana had expected and with the close of such eyes he commanded the fire to renounce itself from the ground. “Let them go,” answered Lion Ascend. “What!” exclaimed Chalice. “We’re going to release them,” replied the lion as he walked towards the twenty tigers and watched them look at him with fear. “Your free to go, tell your master, Prince Voltar that I have spared your life, go now,” he commanded as he watched them run away. “No thank you, no gratitude and no apologies,” said Abel. “Why did you let them go?” asked Way. Lion Ascend was silent and knew that there were no words to describe why he was doing anything. “We’ve won this battle for Everlow, but we still have the war to win Ayana. He walked over to the ledge as he heard Abel howl. “We’ve won! Let us celebrate our victory with grace!” howled Abel as he led another howl from his sons, daughter and other wolves.