Nakira

Prologue

Scene opens in a darkened cell. No distinctive cell features can be seen. A faint whispering female voice is heard in the darkness.

SAMIRA

Please wake up… please wake up.

The darkness is disturbed by the opening of a door. The light from the passage falls on an infant lion cub held by a despondent mother. A tall, cloaked female wolf emerges from the passage and approaches the captive lioness and her cub.

MIRANDAR

Have you made a decision?

SAMIRA

I… I can't do this. How can I…

MIRANDAR

If he stays here he will die. I can't help you but your son still has a chance.

SAMIRA

A chance? A chance at what? Better he die in my arms than in the arms of his captor.

MIRANDAR

Better not to die at all. I am not your captor but someone who can help you save him.

SAMIRA

Why… Why do you want to save him?

Mirandar's tone changes, becoming gentle and sympathetic.

MIRANDAR

Because I to am a mother. He is not supposed to be here… Not like this.

The captive mother turns her attention back to her sick cub, stroking his head in the hopes of waking him.

SAMIRA

Please wake up!

Mirandar kneels down in front of the captive almost in a pleading stance her eyes locked to Samira's.

MIRANDAR

He has been in this coma since your arrival. If he is not treated soon he will die.

SAMIRA

Please wake up!

MIRANDAR

I am offering your son the freedom you once knew.

Samira looks deep into Mirandar's eyes (her soul) and senses an inner sincerity. Mirandar becomes uncomfortable and stands to leave.

MIRANDAR

There is no more time. (Turns to leave) I am sorry.

Samira struggles to come to terms with the situation as Mirandar exits the cell.

SAMIRA

Wait! (long pause, struggling to finish sentence)

Mirandar returns

MIRANDAR

You have my word he will be safe.

Slowly, Samira moves her hands over the comatose cub stroking his fur in the hopes of reviving him.

MIRANDAR

I promise.

Samira slowly hands over the cub as tears fill her eyes struggling emotionally as she watches her cub being taken away. She reaches out as Mirandar leaves the cell. In a telepathic whisper Samira reaches out to her son one last time.

SAMIRA

Nakira, remember me... Remember your people... Grow big and strong...

The cub stirs as the inner voice of his mother is still being spoken. The cell starts to darken as the door closes leaving the distraught captor alone in the dark.

SAMIRA

…Save us.

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