A cold, musty wind blew past Hasava's face, carrying with it strange, old scents. The fur along his spine spiked up involuntarily in response. He was flanked on all sides by the three Dark-Eyed ones. Xaza, Xusa, and Xasi'ka ushered him along the dark tunnel in a cave that was unfamiliar to him. They assured him that this was what needed to happen, so that he could become a proper king. He had his doubts, but the elder lionesses were adamant, and the pride tended to listen to them, even if they were wary of their powers.
Hasava was hit with a fresh breeze, one that smelled of stone and ancient things. His paws were itching to turn and go back the way he came, but he could not - probably even if he actually wanted to. Xasi'ka walked along close behind him, with Xaza and Xusa on either side. He was blocked in, whether he liked it or not.
"We are close," Xaza murmured, glancing at the male.
Hasava felt his heart jump. It was so very dark in the tunnel that he could hardly see, even with a lion's excellent vision. He had no idea what was waiting for him. Still, at least he was not alone. The lionesses were all around him, but they were not threatening. They actually made him feel a bit safer. However, a sudden tap from behind made him jolt forward. A suppressed chuckle came from behind him.
"Scared, are you?" Xasi'ka whispered.
"N-no, of course not," Hasava grumbled in response.
"Stop it. Don't disrespect the spirits," Xusa admonished her daughter in a low voice.
Hasava did not respond, but fixed his eyes forward. The tunnel was still quite dark, but he knew that something was coming closer. He opened his mouth slightly to try and get a scent, but all he smelled was dirt and rock. Suddenly, the lionesses stopped. Xaza had to prompt Hasava with a flick of her tail to get him to stop, as well. He wasn't sure what was approaching, but he could sense it. His whiskers twitched, but his paws had become anchored to the stone floor.
Then, he saw it. The sleek form of something that resembled a lion, but not quite. It had long fangs and a mane that was long around the cheeks, but sparse everywhere else. It moved like a shadow, and it was coming right towards Hasava. It moved quickly, at a trot, and with a purpose.
Hasava braced himself as the beast lunged towards him, and let out a gasp as it passed through him as though it were made of wind. The male let out a guttural roar as he realized it had not gone through him, but instead had merged into him. He could feel the spirit within him, taking its place inside his mind and soul. He could feel himself changing, but a chill spread through him and he slowly dropped to the ground, his head spinning.
He must have lost consciousness, because he woke to find all three of the lionesses staring intently at him. He quickly tried to get up, and immediately noticed the changes that had taken place in his body. His fur was scruffier, his tail shorter, and his canine teeth longer.
The changes seemed to please the Dark-Eyed Ones, as they began to lead Hasava back out of the tunnel. He followed, unsure of what had happened, but he also felt a new energy within. It soothed his worries.
"Congratulations, Heshima Hasava," Xaza uttered. "You now have the primal spirit that will make you a great king."
Hasava did not respond, but he let out a chuff of approval. It was the first time he'd been referred to by that title, but he already liked it. He could only hope he would live up to the likes of the honorable kings before him.
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