__the__ Lion kinG The Tales of Tanabi Alternative Version Chapter 6 WRITTEN by ------------ 'Taka' ORIGINAL WRITTEN BY ------------------- Joshua C. Templin 'Kisasian' ORIGINAL STORYLINE ------------ Joshua C. Templin NOTE: IF YOU LIKE THIS STORY (OR HATE IT, OR WHATEVER), PLEASE SEND ME E-MAIL: taka@pridelands.downers-grove.il.us SO THAT I KNOW WHO IS READING THIS. LET ME HEAR FROM YOU AND I'LL WRITE SOME MORE STUFF.  In all of time, Simba would never forget this moment. Years will come to pass and he will still look upon this memory and shudder. Here he was on the verge of returning to his childhood home, to the sanctity of memories of his father and mother, and yet there was one more task. For as the sun rose before him and silhouetted his home, Pride Rock, it also silhouetted the one thing that could stop him. At the peak of Simba's home was a lion. Simba could only stare, his eyes locked on the dark outline of the intruder. The other lions in Simba's pride noticed what Simba was doing and looked to the top of Pride Rock. Gasps of horror quietly rose from the group as they too began to stare. One of the lionesses suddenly recognized the outline. Her quiet whisper was heard by everyone. "That's Kisasian." 'To have come so far ...' Simba thought. He tore his eyes away from the image of Scar's Son and turned to face his pride. His face already told the message he was about to speak. "This has gone far enough. We will retake our home." He had known The Emperor for a long time. In his youth and early adulthood, Taka had spent a lot of time outside of The Pridelands. In his travels, he met Prince Frazier II, heir to the Imperial Throne of Africa. The Prince was greatly impressed with Taka and they became friends and Taka learned to read and write the language of The Empire. He was fascinated with the political process and soon became interested in law. As time went on, he was hired by a prominent member of the Imperial Senate to work on his senate staff. Taka became a "law writer" - that is, one who actually crafts the text of legislation. Of course, he did not make decisions as to what went into the bills, he simply wrote out the technical language according to his bosses instructions. In any event, he became well know as a fine writer and also a great thinker. During the evenings in the capitol city, he would attend political debates and lectures and became admired by many of the powerful figures in the African Conservative Party (ACP) and was encoraged to run for office on more than one occasion. He refused to do so, feeling the urge to fulfill his destiny on Pride Rock - somehow. He was at the center of a curse - "the curse of the firstborn twin sons". It was considered a curse for a king's fisrtborn to be twin sons (or triplet sons, or any more than one son) because all of them would inherit the spiritual destiny to become king. It would not be a matter of choice - the drive within the twins (or triplets or whatever) would be a strong as the urge that salmon have to swim back to their place of birth to spawn. Taka had fought this curse all of his life and it finally claimed his sanity the day he decided to kill Mufasa and Simba. From that point on, he spent his time in The Pridelands and his twisted mind remained twisted all during his time as king. Near the end of his reign, he began to regain control over himself. He was secretly elated when Simba returned even though he knew it would mean his death. In the end, it seemed like the hyenas would kill him. In fact, he wasn't quite sure he wasn't dead for awhile. All he remembered was ten or twenty sets of teeth sinking into his body after he was flipped from Pride Rock by Simba. There was intense pain, fire and then blackness. When he awoke, the world he saw was surreal. It was day, but very little light was getting through the thick haze of smoke hanging over everything. All was Black and burnt. If it was possible for nature to eliminate life from such a large space, this was an example of it. Taka coughed and gagged and spit up thick black globs of ash and flem. He began to wander, his mind still numb from what had happened. He headed northwest towards the nearest village. There was nothing left for him or anyone else in the Pridelands. He wondered where everyone had gone. No lions, cheetahs, just nothing. It took him two days to travel the distance to Dodoma. He had friends in the village and they allowed him to stay and recover from his wounds. It was while he was there that he met a lioness who would later become his wife. Nakida was from a pride southwest of The Pridelands. Her father had been king but he became a tyrant as he grew old. When he died, there were no males to take his place. The lionesses scattered in separate directions. Nakida and her sister set out together, but her sister was trampled to death while hunting. She and Taka became good friends as both of them were intelligent. He taught her how to read and write and both became very popular with both animals and humans in the village. It was during this time that the senator for their district announced that he would be retiring after his current term ended. Taka was convinced by the local ACP party committee to run for the position. His wisdom had human and animal alike in awe during the campaign (He later won his first 8 year term with 95% of the vote). One night, during the campaign, he had just finished a speech to a group of farmers in the village of Kilosa when a caravan of white four wheel drive vehicles came roaring up to the compound and screeched to a halt. Out popped 12 or 13 armed individuals. All of the people there watched in awe as the soldiers marched through the compound gate. Everyone knew who they were - elite members of the Imperial Guard - the Emperor's soldiers. No one was scared because all knew of the benevolence of The Emperor and his soldiers. One of the guard approached Taka and spoke. "Taka, sir", He said in a pleasant voice. "The Emperor really needs to see you NOW. He said it is an urgent matter regarding your son, Kisasian. We have a turbo chopper waiting about 3 miles from here and can have you at the Crystal Palace in about 20 minutes". "Lets go, then", Taka said without flinching. Still numb and not knowing what to make of the situation, he followed the the soldiers back to their vehicles. The chopper ride did indeed take only 20 minutes and they arrived on the chopper pad at the palace north of Arusha in the hills of the southern slope of Kilimanjaro. Although nervous, Taka was glad to see his old friend, Frazier. The last time they had seen each other, Frazier was still a prince, now he was Emperor of all of Africa, his father Jariel having died. The Emperor informed Taka about the battle that was soon to take place between Simba and Kisasian. He told Taka about how Kisasian was blaming Simba for his death and that Taka needed to return to the Pridelands to head off the death of Simba, Kisasian or possibly both. "The Pridelands have had too much trauma and strife in these recent years", Frazier told him, "and I'm sure you wouldn't want your son to die for nothing", he concluded. Taka looked down at the floor. How much did Frazier know about what he had done? Did the Emperor know that he, Taka, had tried to kill his brother and nephew? Taka carried this guilt within him during all of his time on the campaign trail. He was admired and loved by most everyone, but he wondered how they would treat him if they knew about his dark past. Frazier looked into his eyes and could almost read his mind. He told Taka how he knew "everything" and how he also was aware of the "curse". He also knew that Taka was sorry for his transgressions and that they occurred, "... in a state of mental collapse brought on by years of struggle against a destiny which had to be met, but that was physically impossible..". For 1500 years, The Emperors of Africa had been revered for their uncanny closeness to and understanding of the life force of The Great Circle of Life. They seemed to have the ability to know and see things that others could not. This Emperor was no exception. Frazier put his massive paw on Taka's shoulder and looked him in the eye. "I know all about your pain, Taka. I have seen every moment of it from the moment of your birth, when your father, cowering away from the "curse", disowned you and then ignored your existence all of his life, to the moment when your father struck you another blow by stealing your lover Sarabi from you and giving her to your brother for his queen. You fought as hard as you could for many years but no lion could remain sane after his destiny, his lover and his very soul were robbed from him. You know Mufasa forgives you - I know, I have spoken to him in his starry home and he has said so". Taka's eyes welled up with tears. "I... killed my brother. It wasn't his fault.. I loved him.... I took Simba's father from him ... Oh thats what hurts the most.... I didn't have a father.... and I know the pain and anguish of that.... AND I TURNED AROUND AND DID THE SAME THING TO SIMBA.....". Taka suddenly became embarassed at his show of emotion and straightened himself up. "Look - don't worry about that now", Frazier said. "You have to stop this battle and save your nephew and your son. All you have to do is to go there and intercept Kisasian and let him know you are still alive". Suddenly, Frazier thought of something and smiled. "Taka, your son suffers from the same malady that you did - he had no father. You can go to him now and make him content. You can spend time with him and teach him. I don't know if you know this, but your life is destined for greatness - not just in the PrideLands, and not just in Africa. The Senate is only the beginning. I can't really explain the details - I don't know them all - All I can see is that your name will be thought of fondly all around the world and in history books for years to come. Wouldn't you like to take Kisasian on that journey with you?", Frazier asked. This lion was really amazing, Taka thought. Taka knew that the Emperor was able to "see things", but he had no idea how far that went. Taka had long had the feeling that there was more to his life than the Pridelands, and now this great king was confirming it. This made his spirit soar! "OK, when will this battle take place?", Taka asked. "And where can I find my son?" "Kisasian is waiting with his pride on Pride Rock. Simba's Pride will arrive at sunrise this morning. We don't have much time. I will order the turbo chopper to take you within 10 miles of Pride Rock. You will need to hurry. They will wait for you to take you back to Kilosa where we picked you up". "I'm ready", Taka replied. He smiled at Frazier and then, on impulse, reared up and wrapped his paws around him in a big hug. "Thank you, your majesty. I swear that I will serve you with every fiber of my being, for the rest of my life. You are indeed the focus of the prosperity of our great land". Frazier closed his eyes and bowed to Taka in acknowlegement of his kind words. "... and I am a fortunate king to have such a great lion as you as one of my loyal subjects". Taka hurried back out to the chopper, escorted by one of the Imperial Guards. All the way back, Taka though of his son. He and Ngwame had picked out the name before Sarabi exiled her. Shortly after his birth, Ngwame got a message back to Taka, telling him that he had a son. He sent her a message, telling her to keep him away until he could "stabilize the situation in the Pridelands". That never occurred and he lost contact with Ngwame and his son. He had always hoped that they had survived, but he could never be sure. Within 25 minutes, the chopper set down approximatly 10 miles southeast of Pride Rock. Taka hastily jumped out and told the copilot and the two soldiers that he would "... be back as soon as possible". Simba's pride reached Pride Rock quickly, but not quick enough to surprise Kisasian and his pride. Kisasian was standing on the end of Pride Rock defiantly while his pride was scattered among the cliffs, boulders, and outcroppings that made up Pride Rock. Simba approached and stood below Kisasian on the ground in front of Pride Rock. Kisasian glared down at Simba. "You are NOT welcome here Simba!" Kisasian roared. "I suggest you leave ... now." he said quieter, his voice rolling deeply. "This is not yours to take, Kisasian. You must leave Pride Rock." Simba responded. "Never." Simba's pride charged Pride Rock. Kisasian's own pride ran to meet the oncoming attackers. Near the edge of Pride Rock, the two groups met with ferocious power. Every lioness out there was there for one purpose, to save their home. It goes without saying that each one was fighting for their future. This was not the first time Simba's pride had fought for Pride Rock. Plus, having lived there for many years, they had no trouble using the surrounding terrain to their advantage. Kisasian's pride was tenacious and tough, however. They made slow progress in defeating the defenders. Many lionesses from both sides were injured badly. Never had this much blood been spilled on the ground of Pride Rock. Simba crept up on Kisasian on the end of Pride Rock. Kisasian had his back turned and was looking over the battle below aimlessly. Suddenly, Kisasian spun around and leapt at Simba. Startled, Simba jumped back, only to be hit by Kisasian. The two rolled down the slanted rock and came to a stop near it's base. Kisasian immediately dug his black claws into Simba's side, drawing blood. Simba scrambled backwards, not watching where he was going. He suddenly rolled over, slamming into a rock he had backed into. Kisasian was quickly on top of him, burying his ferocious teeth into Simba's hindquarters. Simba screamed in pain. He mustered his strength and pushed the massive lion off his back. Simba stood up in time to see Kisasian charging him. Simba swung out his paw and struck Kisasian's muzzle with his claws. Kisasian stopped his legs and rolled to the side. Simba saw that he had not even scratched his foe. Kisasian leapt again, slamming Simba down a rocky slope. Then Kisasian's mass carried him too far, and he fell over Simba and down the slope further. Suddenly freed, Simba jumped up and ran to a nearby ledge, his cuts burning in pain. Kisasian had corrected quickly and began pursuing Simba. Leaping again, Kisasian raked his claws on Simba's flanks. Simba turned and attempted to tear his own teeth into Kisasian, but was met with a face full of claws. Kisasian roared and jumped again, coming down on Simba's foreleg. A sickening crunch reverberated around the rocks. Simba screamed in excruciating pain. Kisasian stood back and laughed. Simba's eyes went wild with fear. He could not move, every part of his body was screaming with pain and he was bleeding in so many places that he could not tell where exactly the blood was coming from. As he laid sprawled across the ledge, he stared with abject fear at Kisasian. The huge lion looked back with an evil smirk and barred his bloody teeth. Then his gaze changed. Simba could see the fire burning within his eyes as Kisasian glared with hatred at Simba. "Today, I avenge my father. Prepare to meet yours, Simba." Kisasian growled. Simba could only quiver as he watched Kisasian's muscles tighten for the final leap upon his ruined body. Kisasian's iron muscles clenched tighter and tighter until it seemed they were about to burst under the pressure. Finally, with a deafening roar, Kisasian leap at the prone Simba. Simba shut his eyes and his mind began bringing up images from all over his life. He saw his father, his mother, and Nala. He saw Pride Rock and remembered the glorious morning that his father showed him the entire Pridelands. Then he remembered the stampede, his father trying to save him ... and he heard his father's roar as he fell from the cliff face. In fact, the roar shook Simba enough for him to open his eyes. The roar was followed with a loud, booming voice. The voice was familiar to Simba, though he had never heard it with that strength before. "ENOUGH KILLING! LEAVE HIM ALONE KISASIAN - I AM HERE. I'M NOT DEAD YOU HAVE NOTHING TO AVENGE, MY SON." Both Simba and Kisasian snapped up their heads and looked in the direction of the voice. Kisasian thought he knew who he was looking at but Simba was sure. It was Scar. He was more muscular and his face was less emaciated than the last time that Simba had seen him, but it was Scar. "Scar, but.... I thought you were dead", Simba uttered in disbelief. "Please, my name is Taka. Scar is a cruel nickname that was forced on me in the past. I don't like it.", he said in a kind and even voice as he climbed down from above and moved toward his shocked son. "Fa.....ther - is it really you?", Kisasian whispered in a trembling voice as a tear rolled down his face. He gently reached out his front paw to touch Taka to assure himself that he wasn't seeing a ghost. Simba had propped himself up and was watching intently, his mouth hanging open with suprise. Taka reached out with both front paws and embraced his son. "It is I, my son. Lets go for a walk. We have alot of catching up to do". Father and son descended Pride Rock and walked off into the grassland. Simba was unable to move or utter another word both because he was in shock and because of his injuries. As they walked in front of Pride Rock, Kisasian noticed the battle that was still raging between his pride and Simba's. Kisasian shouted an order for hostilities to cease and his "army" backed off cautiously, still ready to defend itself while Simba's pride looked on in amazement. Both sides retreated to lick their wounds and regroup. Nala had been avoiding the fight due to her 'expecting' condition. She had shuck behind Pride Rock and had kept a close eye on the battle from several hidden vantage points. When it seemed things were winding down she walked a ledge back to the rear of Pride Rock. Suddenly a lioness jumped down from an overhang and stood defiantly before Nala. Nala looked inquisitively at the lioness. Then she remembered. "Lisani ... you've returned! Where have you been? We were afraid you might have been taken by Kisasian." Nala excitedly said. Lisani looked sadly at Nala. "In a sense, I was." "What do you mean? You are welcome back ... we will protect you from him." "I'm sorry Nala. I am no longer a member of your pride. I have to stay with Kisasian." "Why?" Nala questioned. "Nala ... I love him." Nala stepped back. "Lisani! How can you 'love' Kisasian? He's caused so much pain and suffering!" "Nala, you don't understand. I LOVE him. I will never leave his side." "Then why are you back here? Why don't you go fight by his side?" "I can't hurt you. I couldn't bring myself to fight my friends." "Well, that I understand. It doesn't have to be this way, Lisani." "I have found my King. He's everything to me." "Then you should join your King. He and his pride seem to be leaving." Nala said sadly. "Nala, I'll never forget you." "I won't forget you Lisani, and I hope to see you again. Someday." Nala touched Lisani on the paw and said goodbye. Lisani silently turned and slowly walked down the ledge towards the ground. Taka and Kisasian walked quite a distance that day, spending the hours catching up on what had been happening in each other's lives. It was at this point that Taka got a suprise. It seems that Ngwame did not just have one cub, but twins. Taka had another son - his name was Justinian. Kisasian told Taka about the what had happened to their mother after the exile - about the cold, rainy days just before they were born, about the hyenas attacking them just after birth. Ngwame had battled ferociously to protect her cubs and although she had won the battle, she was badly wounded and could not leave their cave for almost a month after the battle. One of the hyenas had attacked Justinian and almost killed him. His left hind leg was badly injured and it seemed for awhile that he may be lame in that leg, but as he grew, the injury healed. Taka became distraught when he heard about the death of Sarabi. This puzzled Kisasian and Taka then explained how he and Sarabi had been lovers when they were adolescents and how Ahadi had one day announced that Sarabi and Mufasa were to be married. This not only devastated Taka, but also Mufasa, since he and Sarafina were lovers and assumed that they would be married. Ahadi was a brave lion, but in some ways he was a coward and made two major mistakes: not acknowleging his second son and "mixing up" the choice of a mate for his number one son. Taka implored his son to renounce violence and to return to his kingdom to rule is "justly and compassionatly". Kisasian admitted that finding his father alive was a "weight off of his back" since he felt uncomfortable playing the evil tyrant and was ready to settle down. Father and son parted with a hug that day and promised to see each other often. Taka wanted to show Kisasian the sights around Arusha, the imperial capitol and to introduce him to Frazier. "Please come and visit me as well", Kisasian said. "I will, my son". Kisasian gathered his pride together and announced the news about his father and that they were going home. A distant line of lions walking away from their home was an unusual sight, one that Rafiki had seen only once before. Their bright spots of color seemed at peace in the endless sea of green grass and blue sky. Of course, this was not their home and Kisasian and his pride would return willingly to their home. The King had returned. Rafiki swung down the outer branches of his tree and into it's center. It had lasted generations, through times of great prosperity and times of great despair. Nothing could harm his tree, as nothing could harm the great Circle of Life. Rafiki sat down and allowed a broad smile to cross his face. A moment of reflection upon the world around him, and Rafiki got up. He picked up his shell and several of the precious items he had gathered from the jungle and proceeded to mix various concauctions. Carefully, he used the mixtures to draw on the bark of the tree. His finger traced the outline of an infant lion. He sighed and looked up to a small patch of blue sky peeking through the branches. 'Nothing can stop the great Circle of Life. Now Taka finally has some peace. It is well deserved. He has been treated so unfairly all of his life.' Early one beautiful morning weeks later, Nala had gone into labor. Several of the pride attended to Nala's needs while Simba ran around excitedly. Finally, when the pain of childbirth was over, Nala held the tiny infant in her forelegs and licked him clean. Simba sat next to Nala beaming. Already the preparations for the child presentation were being made. Zazu had taken to alerting the Pridelands to the event and animals were beginning to arrive outside Pride Rock. Zazu's first stop had been Rafiki's tree, where he had informed Rafiki of the child's birth. Rafiki had smiled at Zazu and waved him off to continue his rounds. Meanwhile, Simba and Nala continued to remain in the cave at Pride Rock and were proudly showing the child to the remainder of the pride who had not seen him yet. Eventually Zazu had returned to report that the whole of the Pridelands was due in the next few minutes. Rafiki arrived soon after to begin the ceremony. Several minutes before the presentation, Timon and Pumbaa arrived in the cave. Simba proudly showed them the newborn. After a few moments of awe, Simba spoke to them. "I'd really like you guys to be there at the presentation." Simba said. Timon looked at Simba. "We were planning on being down there with everyone else! We wouldn't miss it for the world!" "No, you don't understand. I want you with Nala and I. You've been with us all along. You are as much a part of this as anyone else." Pumbaa bowed at Simba's feet. "We would be honored!" The sun shone brightly on the group as they stood on the end of Pride Rock. Rafiki walked up from behind bearing the child. He thrust the infant to the sky and the crowd below cheered. That night, after the festivities of Tanabi's presentation, Simba wandered the darkened fields of the Pridelands. He was proud of himself and his pride. They had reclaimed the beauty of the Pridelands and had returned to their home, Pride Rock. All throughout his walk, Simba wore a constant smile, because now he also had a son. Finally, after so much time, things seemed right in the world. Simba was finally back to where he should be. He came to a stop outside a small, but dense, grove of trees. He could barely see a glint of water in the moonlight in the center, and decided to wander in. Simba sat at the pools edge and looked to the sky. His face smiled even broader as he thought how proud his father must be. Suddenly, a sound much like thunder almost threw Simba off his feet. Pure white light blinded his eyes and he looked down to shield them from the source. Then, a familiar voice called to him. "Simba ..." Mufasa voice rumbled. Simba looked up to see his father standing before him. Even with the light he could see and he looked at the ghostly presence. His father looked as he remembered him, but now was only a thin apparition. Never the less, this was Mufasa standing before him. "Father!" Simba cried. The apparition walked closer and smiled at Simba. "Son, you have made me proud. You have taken you place in the Circle of Life, you have retaken our home, and have continued the Circle of Life into the future. You have done well, son. You have not forgotten me." "Thank you Father." "Son, it is time for me to go. I don't know if I will ever see you again. Take care, son. Never forget who you are." Mufasa'a image looked sadly at his son. "Also know that I forgive Taka for what he has done to me. You have no idea what kind of torment his life has been and how he was neglected and abused. He has risen from the ashes and will do great things for the world". Simba was suprised. "But father, he killed you". "Son, you must also try to forgive him. If I can do it, so can you". Simba replied "OK, if you say so". "Son, I must go now", Mufasa said sadly. "Father? Why do you have to go?" "Goodbye, son. I love you." "I love you too, Father." "And Simba, always remember who you are." With that, Mufasa's image turned and walked proudly into the bright light behind him. And with a thunderclap, the light was gone. Simba gazed down at his image in the pool below him. A tear fell from his eyes and the pool rippled. Simba blinked and the image before him was now his father's face. And so begins my story. Every day I add to the life of our heritage. I would assume that everyone has their own story, much as I have mine. It's a great joy for me to be able to look back upon life and see what my accomplishments were, as well as the accomplishments of those around me. My father may not have been the best king, but he was kind and compassionate. Grandfather was much more proud than my father, and I am told that my father resembled my great-grandfather Ahadi. All in all, he was a good king. I am also proud of my great uncle Taka who did many great things for Africa as well as the world. You see, there are many more threats to the Pridelands from outside forces than from within. He spent his life helping others and defending his home in ways that no one here would ever be able to do. He was leader in the Imperial Senate and worked for peace around the world. You see, the African experience is a spiritual experience. This is something that many humans have lost touch with - spirituality. He helped bring this back to the world and he left it a better place than when he found it. In that respect, he was as great a leader as Mufasa or Simba. He became the leader he was born to be, overcoming many adversities. He died in his homeland up in the cave on Pride Rock, in the exact spot in which he was born. The whole world mourned for him. In life, There will be sad times, hardships, and pain. But all of these fit together to make you whole. You are completely defined by your memories. You past makes who you are today. Don't forget your past, for by forgetting you past, you are forgetting yourself. Each and every one of us has a story. Your life is as important as everyone else's. Don't deny yourself the history you deserve. Remember who you are. I will. Taka's Anthem ------------- (_SOMEONE ELSE_, by Chris DeGarmo and Geoff Tate, QUEENSRYCHE) When I fell from grace I never realized How deep the flood was around me A man whose life was toil was like a kettle left to boil. and the water left SCARS on me. I know now who I am. If only for a while, I recognize the changes. I feel like I did before the magic wore thin and the "baptism of stains" began. They used to say I was nowhere, man, heading down was my destiny. But yesterday, I swear, that was someone else not me. Here I stand at the crossroads edge, afraid to reach out for eternity. One step, when I look down, I see someone else, not me. Looking back and I see someone else. All my life they said I was going down, but I'm still standing, stronger, proud. And today I know there's so much more I can be. From where I stand at the crossroads edge there's a path leading out to sea. And from somewhere deep in my mind, sirens sing out loud songs of doubt as only they know how. But one glance back reminds, and I see, someone else not me. I keep looking back at someone else ... me? __the__ Lion kinG The Tales of Tanabi "When a lion must become King" NOTICE: This is a modified version of Chapter 6 of Josh Templin's fine story. I have been working on an entire "furry kingdom" based on _THE LION KING_ and this is what Chapter 6 might look like if it was written to conform to the histories and details of the said kingdom. I in no way am attempting to invalidate, deride or take anything away from Josh's fine story. I write because I MUST write. It is part of me and I must express these things in the written word. Josh, please don't take offense and forgive me if you are offended. No offense was intended. I must remain anonymous for reasons that I cannot disclose at the time. Perhaps it is better that way - judge my work, not my personality. I will try to take the 400 pages or so of text that I have put down so far and make them into a coherent story and make some of it available if I don't think it looks like junk. If it turns out bad, I'll just type 'rm' and forget it and go back to the lonely life of making a living by helping simpletons set up PPP connections... Adieu, Taka Written By ---------- 'Taka' Original Chapter 6 Written by ---------- Joshua C. Templin Origianl Storyline by ------------ Joshua C. Templin Credits for the ORIGINAL versions of Chapters 1-6: Editor...............................Scott D. Sadowski (I, 1-3) Dan R. Hauschild (4-6, C) Continuity...........................Scott D. Sadowski (I, 1-3) Joshua C. Templin (Total) Plot Handling........................Scott D. Sadowski (I, 1-3) Dan R. Hauschild (4-5) Production...........................Joshua C. Templin Distribution.........................Joshua C. Templin (rad, WWW, aflk) Dan R. Hauschild (aflk, IRC) Packaging............................Joshua C. Templin Special Thanks to: Disney...............................The Lion King The basis for this novel. Linus Torvalds.......................Linux Operating system used. The Internet.........................USENET, IRC, WWW Used for distribution. FDC, FDCMuck.........................Disney Environ Total Disney Immersion Hans Zimmer, Lebo M..................Soundtrack to TLK Rythm of the PrideLands Listened to exclusivally while writing. IRC #lionking........................Feedback Friends who always wanted to know when the next chapter would be out! alt.fan.lion-king....................Feedback? Minimal feedback Disney Lawyers.......................Ignoring Me Thanks for not hauling me into court. Brian Tiemann........................WWW Page First WWW Distribution Influence on my WWW Page Please see these people: Joshua C. Templin...............jtemplin@d.umn.edu FDCMuck Kisasian TLKMuck Kisasian IRC #lionking Kisasian Brian Tiemann...................btman@cco.caltech.edu FDCMuck Timon TLKMuck Simba Dan R. Hauschild................zazu@ais.net IRC #lionking Zazu Thanks for reading The Tales of Tanabi! I certianly hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. - Josh Templin Look at my life - See how I was slammed down, beaten back at every turn, had everything including my lover taken from me, lost my sanity, killed my brother, faced the certainty of death and then arose to reach for the stars. Life is like climbing a mountain. You get to the top and become all that you are to be only when you die. Never stop reaching, as long as you have a breath in your body. Amaze yourself at what you can do for your people and your planet. - Taka "The chief pursuit of all living things should be to live in harmony with the earth and know one's place and responsibility in The Great Circle of Life - There can be no spriritual peace by any other means" - H.R.H. King Frazier II, Emperor of Africa