Chapter 6:

Mufasa held this grin on his face that made me want to strike him right in his muzzle. I didn't care what the consequences were.

Sarafina must have watched my subtle reaction. Probably something only she could see.

She spoke loudly for the council chamber to hear, “Your majesty and the council, to assure an easy transition to another region, I formally suggest that I would take it upon myself to educate our Bridge-Walker on the finer points of Uji's culture."

I looked straight at Sarafina with a hint of malice. Why would she be going along with this? She knows I belong to another realm. This is not my home. I have no business-

Her eyes.

I lost my train of thought. Mufasa was saying something in the background, but it was all muffled when I saw the pain in her eyes. How could the council not see this? How could they be so heartless. They broke my heart.

Was it the fact she was going back to a dull kingdom, waiting to bear more children for the king?

Was it the fact that her daughter would be left here while Sarafina would be weeks away in a far off kingdom?

Was it…no. It wouldn't be me. I had only known her for less than a week.

All I knew is that witnessing the hurt in her eyes told me she had no longer had any choice. If it weren't for these damn council members gawking at their king while he spoke to us, I would have run to her and embraced her. The same way she did to me when I was in pain at the campfire.

“…nevertheless, I also hear that reptilian females are fiercely loyal to their mates."

Mufasa was continuing with his rant.

“Bridge-Walker, do you know how lucky you are to have been treated with uk'rha? Especially with The-Blood-Thorn's own granddaughter administering it to you?"

His grin was pissing me off.

Then the whole council stood up in a hurry. All additional side-talks quieted down. Even Mufasa finally shut his mouth. Another figure entered the room. Flowing, royal, purple silks trimmed in golds and whites. It was the beautiful Sarabi; the Queen herself. Her graceful feminine figure put the other lionesses to shame. I had only witnessed her once before, and that was at a distance. It was also ten years ago (in Umbra years. But now that I saw her in person, she was stunning. The species of lion in this realm barely aged.

This was the same lioness that was loved by Scar. Mufasa took her from him, along with various other beautiful wives. I would be filled with malevolence as well.

But she did not enter the room with the warm smile Mufasa bestowed upon us. Her expression was that of panic and apprehension. She did not pay any attention to anyone else in the council chamber, other than her husband.

Her voice matched her current demeanor, “My love, our son... Simba-“

“Can't you see, my flower? I am in council. This can wait," the king spoke with an elevated level of frustration.

“No, this can't wait, husband," she walked up to him and placed her hands on his muscular chest, “Simba has not shown up for his lessons, nor has he been found anywhere in the palace."

Mufasa chuckled, “This isn't news. Simba runs on his own schedule."

He laughed, looking at the rest of the council, hoping to have them join in.

They were silent.

The king spoke up with laughter in his voice, “Send the search parties out again. He's probably running around by the zebra stables."

“My love, I have already sent our scouting flocks. He is nowhere to be seen."

Finally, his fucking grin disappeared from his majestic jaw, “Then look harder."

A smaller bird flew in. Landed on the king's shoulder. It chirped a few things in his lion-like ear. Whatever it said, got the king in a rage.

With a booming voice, the king yelled out, “GET MY MOUNT! HE IS HEADED TO THE SHADOWLANDS!"

The whole room became a flurry of hysteria.

Mufasa spoke out again while he was leaving, “If I see another exiled hyena in our city, that entire region will be burnt to the ground. And if they touch Simba..." the royal lion's voice disappeared into the hallways. Along with his wife and everyone else.

The room was silent. I was alone in the empty chamber.

No. I was not.

Across the stone table was Sarafina. Her eyes stared off into the distance. Her face was frozen.

Fuck it. Fuck this place. It was early evening. I could get my stuff packed at my little hut. Get some shut eye and get to the crossing lake just before sunrise. I could be back in Chicago within a few normal days. Who cares about political strife when I don't even have to-

Sarabi silently got up, which broke my inner turmoil. The lioness turned and slowly walked to one of the windows facing out into the courtyard. Still sitting in my chair and white knuckled, I watched her walk with a hint of intent.

Then, she slumped to the ground in a heap of weeping tears.

I quickly got up and ran to her side. I got down next to her and lifted her shaking body from the ground. She felt boneless just for a moment. Then both of her furred arms flung around my sides, tightly embracing me. Her head leaned into my chest, before she let out a heartbreaking sob.
Here we were again, embracing each other. But this time it wasn't me sobbing. I didn't say a word. I was so angry from before, and my own inner dialogue was a complete mess. It was rifling through anger, hatred, sadness, pity, hesitation, fear.

Her sobs got quiet, and her shaking arms stilled. This fucking kingdom. I wanted to hurt Scar for the pain he caused Crix. I wanted to hurt the King for his selfish gains by using others like pawn pieces. I wanted to hurt-

Sarafina's breath slowed. Relaxed.

It calmed me a little as well. All my jumbled thoughts seemed to have been filed away. A new emotion surfaced. Something I hadn't felt since my wife....

Love.

I placed my chin on top of her head, and made a few hush sounds. Maybe this forsaken world wasn't as bad as-

“Ahem, my lady."

It was Zazu.

He quietly glided back into the empty chamber. Sarafina let me go in a quick hurry. She got up and straightened her dress. After a few subtle sniffles and a tear wipe, she spoke loudly in a formal tone as if she was continuing an already active conversation.

“Yes, and after things are in order, Lochlann, please meet me in the ambassador's hall for a final orientation of Uji's culture and diplomatic ties."

She walked towards the doors opposite of where Zazu had entered, and looked back at me, “We will start at sundown."

She turned to rendezvous with Zazu.

I could overhear him speak as they exited the chambers, “Yes, and the headmaster of the caravan needs approval on travel supplies…."

The echoing voices soon disappeared from the hallways.

So, I was to meet her at sundown.

I looked out the window, and noted I had a few hours left. I struck a deal with Scar 10 years ago in Umbra's timeline. He fucked up when he took Crix and his son. I got him back. I came back to Umbra for WNC's camera. I'm sure it was kept in his home. This one-eyed lion was not going to keep the upper hand anymore. I had a plan.

WNC data entry: D23-007.
Employee# P64-81F
Name: Lochlann Fitzpatrick
Assignment: Job Order#R7812
Location: Umbra: Village of Pride Rock

Day 18 (supplemental entry):

A few hours ago, I investigated the approximate location of the camera I misplaced earlier. The location was the home of the King's brother, Scar. His abode wasn't hard to find since I had been there once before. Getting inside wasn't that difficult either. The door was already open, as it seemed to be more of a public residence. Scar was not present at the time of my visit. Once inside, I was greeted by a humanoid hyena. According to the current rule, this species is not allowed within the entire region of Pride Rock. Why this one was inside the building... I didn't care. I was negotiating with the hyena when another one came from upstairs. Negotiating with more than one hyena was a difficult task, but after some back and forth, they told me the WNC property was upstairs. No additional expenses need to be filed.

The second floor appeared to be Scar's office. There were many trophies, maps, eye patch designs, jewelry, and flags.

The flags I took some interest in.

They seemed to be freshly woven, and several had been stacked and put aside. The flags were black in color with yellow symbols  akin to that of a feline's eye. A stripe started from above running down through the eye. It functioned almost as a scar cutting through the symbol.

I located the camera and I took my leave. Once you have received these files after my re-connection, I expect a call from project management. There will be a lot to discuss. This is my last documented entry in Umbra. Logging off.

I closed the laptop. I still had dried blood on my knuckles. The bruises on my back and leg didn't feel as bad as the gash on my arm. There were some details I purposely left out of the documentation. The Human Resources and Law departments would have a field day if they found out what some of the...more sensitive...details were.
First of all, the front door wasn't actually open. I used the weight of my whole body to smash it in. It cracked in half before falling to the floor.

I was greeted by a humanoid hyena; that part was true. They were slightly shorter than I was. I didn't allow them to speak. I knew these creatures weren't allowed in the city. So I threw a sidekick to their chest to knock them off balance. I was about to throw another massive kick to the hyena when I was tackled from the side by another one.

Luckily, my adrenaline was in full swing, and once my opponent crashed me into a wall - breaking various decorations - I pounded my elbow into their back several times over. This hyena was slightly larger than the first, so it took some effort to break their grapple. Once I was free from their hold, it gave me an opportunity to prepare so I could counter any following attack.

For over a decade, my instructor drilled me into understanding that countering an attack was a superior way of controlling my opponent's actions. And sure enough, he was right. I blocked and grabbed a swing to my face, twisted the hyena's arm enough to hear a pop. It cried out in pain. That is when I saw the smaller one approaching, holding his chest from the pain I caused initially. I took another chop with my free-hand to the larger one's vulnerable larynx. Whatever sound it made, I didn't bother to listen. I was already throwing the beast to one side while I dodged a very poor punch. His momentum carried his body past mine while I threw my forearm around his neck, while locking my other arm around his head to initiate a chokehold.

“Where is the camera?!" I yelled.

Struggling breaths were the only sound coming from the beast. I looked behind me to check the status of the larger one on the ground. He was slumped over a broken table, holding his neck.

I knew I had more time, so I yelled again, “Where is my  camera?!"

I knew I could be in big trouble after this, but I also knew that I wouldn't be around much longer to find out. I gave enough slack to let this vile thing speak. “Wha…..what is….ack! A Cam?" said the restrained hyena.

“The Bridge-Walker's magic black box!"

I looked back at the downed one. It was getting back up. I didn't have much time.
The restrained hyena was trying to breathe while doing his best to struggle free. He pointed upstairs. That was all I needed. I pivoted our bodies around to square off with the larger hyena once again. He was cautiously approaching. This time he had a jagged blade in his hand.

“Fuck..." I mumbled. Weapons had been used in my classes, but it was only to learn how to disarm. I never used my training for an active combat scenario like this one. I quickly let go of my victim, and kicked him forward towards his comrade. The larger one moved aside while his wheezing friend slammed headfirst into a stone statue. Whatever the carving was, it broke in two, and fell on top off the now-unconscious beast.

I wasn't ready when the armed hyena slashed at me. It caught my arm, and left a five inch shallow gash on my bicep. But he wasn't ready for my uppercut. A crack on his jaw dazed him. From there, I let loose a barrage of punches, leaving his bloody body in a motionless heap. 

Those were all details HR and legal were happier not knowing.

Putting the fight out of my mind, I furiously shoved the laptop into my backpack before looking up at my surroundings. I shoved the laptop in my backpack with a tinge of anger, I looked up to observe my surroundings. The house I slept in for the past few days - one on the outskirts of town - still had some lanterns burning, giving the room a warm yellow glow. The bed mostly dominated the space; much like the layout of a hotel room. It was also furnished with small table and chair I had been using as a desk.

The camera's battery was dead. After ten years of sitting on a shelf, I was surprised to see it still in good condition.

The sun was setting, so I knew I couldn't charge it with the solar array. But it also meant I was due to see Sarafina at the ambassador's office. I quickly wrapped my gashed arm with part of a blanket from my bed. Locking the door behind me, I departed to go see Sarafina. Probably for the last time.

The ambassadors office was one of the larger structures in the town. Standing about three stories tall, it had a unique look compared to other buildings I would see back home. There were various perches and large portals from points near the top. I saw some birds fly in and out. Some carrying packages or items of interest. It seemed like the species of birds here in Umbra played a major part in communications from region to region.

The sky quickly became dark, revealing a bright moon. It looked exactly the same as the one I was used to. Ok'wana wasn't wrong. This definitely was a mirror world, similar to our own. Torches lit up some of the streets. There were a few random businesses still open, evident from the sounds of laughter and music coming from inside.

Then, there she was.

Sarafina.

Standing just outside the ambassador's facility. She was still wearing her beautiful flowing dress and her sparkling headpiece. My heart skipped a beat. She was crouched down speaking to a child when she saw me approaching. Sarafina stopped speaking and stood up to meet my gaze. Her smile was warm, but only for a moment. She saw the wrappings on my arm. Her smile became concern.

“Lochlann, what happened?" she asked, as the child also turned around to see me.

It was Nala, her daughter. She was still wearing her training outfit from earlier. The child looked as if she was in the midst of crying. Her mother must've told her that Simba, her betrothed prince and best friend, was missing, and was probably in the Shadowlands (whatever that was).

“It's nothing," I lied, “I found my camera, though."

Wiping the tears from her face, Nala walked up to me and took one of my hands to examine it, “Who did you beat up?"

I looked down at the cub, and smiled, "You should see the other guys...."

I made it sound like a joke, hoping to lighten the mood. Nala just made a huff. Sarafina saw right through me, and realized I was telling the truth.

“Run along, Nala," Sarafina said in a tender voice, “I'll see you tonight."

Her child nodded and gave her mother a hug.

“I'll be training on the ropes tonight, mother."

Nala small form sprinted towards the royal palace, disappearing into the shadow of the massive front doors.

Sarafina turned her gaze to me and rolled her eyes, “She gets like this when she is distraught. She'll get over it."

Her focus turned back towards her vanishing cub.

“Soon, my interactions with my daughter will only be on special occasions. But I'm proud of who she will become."

There was a long pause. I broke the silence, “I assume I'm here to learn about the Uji culture?"

The lioness looked at me with a lighthearted smile, “We both know you are not interested in the reptilian lifestyle."

She slipped her furred arm through mine and brought me along down the torch-lit streets.

“Besides, now that you found your missing box, your time here is done. You're going to be "bridge-walking" back to your home again."
She turned her face up to look at me while we walked, “Aren't you?"

“I-," was the only thing that came out of my mouth. All I had to say to her was what? "Goodbye, I hope you have a great life back home with your king, bear more children and live a lavish lifestyle?" I didn't think it would have been that hard to say. Not until I saw the look in her eyes.

Sarafina broke me down, and opened my heart to my own inner troubles. She released the pain. She gave me direction. In fact, I couldn't remember the last time I dreamt about my wife after the campfire incident.

“I don't plan on going to Uji." This part was easier to say, “I don't even know my bride's name." I chuckled at that last statement.

She laughed with me, “It's actually pronounced," she then gurgled something that ended in a high pitch tweet noise.

I looked at her with utter surprise.

She smiled and said, “I can't speak most of their language. But her name is something I can pronounce."

“What does it mean? Swamp slime?" I snorted.

“It actually means, Flower of the Dawn." She spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, “She comes from a long line of royal warriors that traversed the seas and saved this continent from an invading force of barbarians from the north."

I blinked a few times and listened with intent.

She continued, “They may seem…different…from the other cultures here, but they are honorable creatures, and we have entrusted their northern protection for generations. In fact, Flower of the Dawn's grandfather, The Bloody Thorn, is the last surviving member of the original protectors. For him to offer his granddaughter to you is an honor."

I thought for a moment, “What would happen if they show up tomorrow, and I'm not here?"
She didn't answer for a moment. We walked together while she clasped my forearm. I didn't know if she didn't want to answer, or didn't have an answer.

She finally spoke up, “There would probably be another trial of Skerkte. Depending on who has to accept the trial, if Pride Rock wins, they get to solidify the union of the trade agreement by marrying one of their elites. Flower of the Dawn was a rare offer. I don't think they will be using her for the next one."

We turned the corner and headed towards the river bank. The torchlights got dimmer, and our features were now lit by the moonlight instead.

“If Pride Rock loses the trial, I think they will most likely want their property returned; meaning Crix."

My mind shot back to my friend, the jackal and his family. I was going to miss them.

We stopped at the riverbank, and we both sat in the soft grass. I noticed her looking behind us. I looked back as well, and noticed another figure standing under a light.

“One of the royal guards," she said, “Queen Sarabi ordered that I would be accompanied by an escort for the next few nights. She doesn't want my husband to find out one of his wives got hurt before she got home."

I watched the figure stand motionless, watching us at a distance. I turned back around to meet Sarfina's eyes.

Dammit. I had to look away. If she saw how I was starting to feel about her, it would be dangerous for the both of us. I could tell that she was watching me. I didn't want to fall in love. Not now.

I closed my eyes. Partly to just listen to the water of the river. Partly so she couldn't tell I was falling in love. This wasn't right. I needed to get myself back home to other humans. Falling in love with an animal humanoid was...was…didn't they put people in jail for-

Then her hand slipped into mine as we sat by the river. Her furred fingers weaved into my own. My eyes, already closed, squeezed tighter. I had to distance my heart. This was going to hurt both of us.

Then, I felt before I heard, the one thing that tipped me over the edge. The reverberation from her body. The low methodical rhythm of a large feline beginning to purr. I exhaled a breath I didn't know I was holding. My eyes relaxed. I felt my hand squeeze hers.

I opened my eyes to see she hadn't left her focus on me. Those emerald eyes pierced right through. At this point, I knew she was reading exactly what was going on in my head. She gritted her teeth in what seemed like frustration. She looked back at the guard watching us. When she looked back at me, a tear fell from her eye.

I knew exactly what she wanted to do, but knew she couldn't. This was our last night together. Maybe this was better. The guard was probably doing us both a favor. We both broke our stares and turned to watch a group of birds fly through the night, crossing the moon. She leaned into me, and her purr was powerful. I saw her touch her lips again. A wistful memory from a few nights ago.

She closed her eyes, “Lochlann, where did you learn how to kiss like that?"

I smiled, and thought for a moment, “My wife was a passionate person." It pained me to think of her memory again. “I was a bit more…awkward. But she was patient with me."

I looked back at the guard. The figure was content at standing there.

“You're not such a bad kisser yourself, Sarafina."

Her mouth opened ever so slightly and exhaled slow. She smiled at the sentiment.

Her next statement took me off guard, “Have you ever thought of not returning? To your world? Not getting married to Flower of the Dawn? Just coming with me to Kessit?"

A million thoughts and images flashed into my mind of all the pleasures and dangers that come with this plan. My heart raced. I had to answer, “Sarafina, I think we both know that nothing good will happen if I come with you."

She closed her eyes and nodded. She opened them to look at me again, waiting to see what I'd say, “Lochlann, would you take me with you?"

I looked back again. I truly hoped our spectator in the distance didn't have amazing hearing. My heart was pounding out of my chest. And most of it was from pain of reality.

I spoke quietly, “The people of my world, well…they are curious beasts. If they saw you, your life would be put on display for the world to see."

Thoughts of WNC shaking my hands, giving me wads of cash, shackling Sarafina away in a cage for studies and endless photos; probably for the rest of her life.

Then I said one of the most painful statements I could remember, “I can't take you with me."

I heard her sniffle. We both knew this was impossible. Both of our worlds were too harsh for potential lovers like us. We sat for a bit longer.

No words. Just the sound of running water and that purr which softened my heart and calmed me.

“Madam Sarafina!"

It was that fucking guard.

“Madam, it is your curfew. The queens orders."

We both got up, she held both of my hands in hers. Her eyes moved focus from one of mine to the other, drinking me in again.

She leaned up to kiss me on the cheek, and whispered, “Even though my body belongs to the King of Kessit, please know that my heart belongs to you."

She backed away watching me, “Forever."

Our interlocked fingers separated.

Why did she have to say this? I just had to do my best to remove this memory, or I would be torn apart again. My heart couldn't take this much destruction.

Making my way back to my hut, I slammed the door shut and screamed a roar of fury.

“FUCK YOU, TREE OF LIFE! FUCK YOU, CIRCLE OF LIFE! FUCK YOU, UMBRA!" I fell to my knees.

Before too long, I crawled into bed, pulled the covers over, and set my alarm on my watch to ring an hour before sunrise. This way I could make it back to the crossing lake in time for first light, and never see this fucking place again.

Hospital beeps. Distant mumbles of doctor names being called over the intercoms. Voices of nurses and techs briefing each other over “how many CCs of this," or “we need a shot of that."

I didn't care.

My focus rested on my wife. She was a shell of her former glory. Tubes weaved in and out of her nostrils and veins. She had no hair left. My grip on her hands could have shattered her brittle bones if I squeezed any harder.
“DON'T LEAVE ME, SANDRA!"

I was bawling like a baby. Her expression was showing one emotion: content.

“You're leaving me behind. I can't do this alone."

My forehead pressed against her hands holding mine.

With a weak voice, barely heard over the beeping of monitors, “Do what alone?"

“Life, my love. I can't enjoy life without you."

“Lochee," She coughed a little, and continued, “don't do this to yourself. Do what you do best, experience the world."

“I can't experience anything without you, Sandra."

I looked at our clasped hands. The wedding rings on both of our fingers pressed together. The beeping on the monitors slowed.

Her eyes closed.

She spoke again, “Yes you can, Lochee. You need to let me go."

The monitors blared a high-pitched ring, while the graphics showed that horrifying, singular line whose only purpose was to break hearts.

“AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"

I shot up in bed screaming. I looked at the clock, and my alarm was about to go off.
Shaking the bad dream from my head, I quickly checked my inventory. Camera, laptop, satellite phone, solar array and one Fruit of Life. Fuck Scar and his deal. I got what I wanted without his bargain.

Before I knew it, I was already on my way back to the crossing lake. I had to distract myself. The phone calls I needed to make. Booking appointments and meetings. Contacting the marketing department for presentations. The thousands of emails I had to send out, while ordering the social media crew to get content ready for the debut of the Umbra Files.

I crested the hill to find the glassy lake. It was waiting for me. The horizon was turning orange. I got to the edge of the water, and watched with intent. Waiting for that blessed sun to show its face, so I could jump in.

For a split second, I noticed the place where I first saw Crix welcome me to this world. Then my eyes shot over to where I saw him and his son bound and gagged. The look he gave me when I saved his son from some illness by giving him the Fruit of Rebirth.

When the sun pierced the horizon, it was casting my shadow, walking away from the lake. My wife said it herself. I needed to do what I did best: Experience the world.

I was heading towards the jackal community only a few hours from here. I had some friends to see. And possibly Sarafina.

One.

More.

Time.