Devious new hope

Normally, Vicha was the last lioness any pridemember would complain to.

The elderly mother of King Ahadi was most always in a foul mood, it seemed she always had a sneer and a sharp comment waiting. Most steered clear of her, not wanting to deal with her temper. Some claimed that, aside from her connection to the king, the only reason she was still breathing was her excellent sense of smell. She could pick out any herd on the wind, even if they were grazing on the other side of the Pridelands.

So, because of her fantastic nose, it was no surprise that she easily picked out one of her grandsons heading her way. Sighing and sitting up on her sunning rock, she saw the young prince heading her way. Taka, her younger grandson, was walking with his head hung low, tears running down his face. When he looked up at her, he sniffled pathetically and hesitantly put a paw on the rock.

"Gramma Vicha?" he started, blinking. "Can I come sit with you?"

Normally, the old bag ignored the two boys, not wanting to deal with their childish behavior. However, Taka was usually quiet, kept to himself. Nodding, she helped the cub onto the rock, eying him as he sat and sniffed again. He dragged an arm across his nose, glancing up at her then away quickly.

"What's wrong." she asked, voice gravelly with age. She didn't really care, but maybe it would get him to stop looking so miserable.

"Mufasa." he mumbled. "He called me a baby and pushed me down. Everyone else just laughed at me."

Vicha gave a rough snort. Mufasa was one cub she couldn't stand. He was pig-headed, loud and bossy. She rued the day her son had declared him heir.

"What did you do?"

"I called him a stupid oaf." he spat, with little pride. "..But then I ran before he could catch me again."

The withered lioness had to laugh. He had some strange kind of spunk, that was for sure. He seemed to shink at her chuckles, letting out a whimper.

"You're laughing at me too." he whined.

"No, that was a funny thing, kid." she said, grinning. "But you need to learn how to stand up for yourself."

The cub blinked, surprised that she wasn't calling him a wimp, or taunting him.

"But Mufasa is bigger than me."

"Bigger, but slower, and not as smart." Vicha pointed out. "You have brains, you're a sharp little cub, so I've noticed. If your father had waited longer, I'm sure he would have made a better decision."

The last bit had slipped out, she realized. Taka's eyes went wide at her words, looking shocked.

"You... think I would be a good king?" he asked. "You think I could do better? Why can't Dad see that?"

Vicha bit her lip, mentally kicking herself for giving the boy ideas. Then, it occured to her; this cub, this little boy, the spawn of her failure of a son, he could carry on her original plots. He was fresh and new, she could start from scratch and mould his impresssionable little mind. He was her second chance at a higher glory, for revenge against all that had wronged her in her life. She could go back and strike. A devilish grin spred over her wrinkled muzzle at the though. Cupping his little face in her paw, she gently stroked his cheek fur with her index claw.

"My boy, I do." she cooed. "But your father is blind to your potential, and your mother is merely your grandfather's pawn. I had a plan once, for a greater life, but your father turned it down. You though, Taka, are the perfect lion for the job."

"Job?" he repeated, snuffing back some remaining tears.

"Yes, a very important one." she nodded. "You want to be recognized, to be seen and appreciated? You want them to see that you are better than what your brother calls you? A true king?"

"Yes, Gramma." he nodded in her paw, eager at her words. "I can be good, I can be better than Mufasa."

"Good, then you will begin to train with me. I will make you the lion you want to be." she told him. "But Taka?"

"Yes, Gramma?"

"It'll be our little secret, do you understand?"

"I promise, Gramma, all ours!"


----


Whooop, pretty proud of this one! According to my verse, Vicha is the mother of Ahadi, who gave up on her conquest for Uru's love. Vicha remained bitter until her grandson proved to be a perfect pawn for her plots!
Muahaha, oh Taka, what have you gotten yourself into?
I may pump out a few more of these, I like 'em


Vicha (C) Nycheefruit
Taka/Scar (C) Disney